Celebrations

New years

January 1:

Official holiday commencing with the traditional, island-wide display of midnight fireworks and firecrackers that illuminate the skies as Aruba joyfully welcomes the new year. Legend has it that firecrackers ward off evil spirits. Groups of musicians, known as "Dande," stroll from house to house to sing good luck-greetings for the New Year.

Betico Day

January 25

Official holiday in memory of G.F. (Betico ) Croes, On January 25 th, we commemorate the birthday of the late Aruban political leader, Gilberto Francois (Betico) Croes. He helped the island attain the "Status Aparte". White its new status Aruba was given autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles, and was allowed to Function as a commonwealth within the Dutch kingdom. This official holiday also features many sporting events and games throughout the island.

National Anthem and Flag day

March 18

An annual celebration of the national Flag and Anthem Day with nationalistic shows and folkloric presentations at Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. This official holiday also features many sporting events and games throughout the island for kids and adults.

April Fool's

April 1

Ancient cultures, including those as varied as the Romans and the Hindus, celebrated New Year's Day on or around April 1st . In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar that called for New Year's Day to be celebrated January 1st. That year, France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted New Year's day to January 1st. Many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1st. Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false.

Arubans also have fun on this day, the media (tv, radio, newspapers and websites) takes advantage of this day to fool their loyal customers with a couple of jokes. The most absurd but believable news or event is broadcasted or printed in the newspaper, and always a group of people falls for it. The following day it will be made clear which was false and how many people were fooled.

Queens day

April 30

Aruba holds a protocol ceremony on this official holiday in honor of Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands followed by much enjoyable activities around the island. People engage in kite contests, sporting events and other fun activities at various community centers.

Dera Gay

June 24

Special festive song and bright yellow and red costumes, and traditional dances surround the annual "Dera Gay" (the burying of the rooster) festival. It is celebrated on the Feast of St. John the Baptist to celebrate and give thanks for a successful harvest. This celebration dates back to 1862.

Today the rooster has been replaced by a calbas (gourd) but folk dances are still an intrinsic part of the celebrations. Festival activities are held at various community centers.

Carnival Season

November 11

At 11:11 am we welcome Carnival festivities, with music and dances to start off a brand new season with great enthusiasm. During the presentation, the SAC (Carinval Authorithy) introduces the crew members of SAC for this season and the new schedule of contests and parades for the new season is officially presented to the press. During the period of November 11 till December 31, the participants have time to prepare and train for the Carnival parades and contests. After New Years celebration, starts the most exciting celebrations of the year. The entire island participates in spectacular festivities which include parades in streets with colorful costumes, steel and brass band music, dances and floats. Contests are held for best costumes, musicians, singers and election of the Carnival Queen. Aruba's oldest Social Club, Aruba Tivoli Club, organizes a spectacular Lighting Parade each year on the weekend preceding the Grand Parade.

Sinterklaas

Dec 5

Adults and children celebrate annually the birthday of Sinterklaas (Sint Nicolas). Traditionally, Saint Nicolas arrives with his "Zwarte Pieten" (helpers) at the Paardenbaai Harbour in Oranjestad just before his birthday to greet the children of Aruba and reward them with gifts for their good behavior during the year. Grown-ups may also be treated to an unexpected gift or two.