Aruba's Top Nine Festivities & Customs

The culturally vibrant island of Aruba observes several holidays and customs that have been imported from other Caribbean nations like Holland, Venezuela, and the United States. These customs enrich both the Aruban way of life and the culture of the Caribbean islands by adding richness and excitement to both the islanders' daily lives and visitors' vacations. Enjoy the city’s diverse attractions and experiences, making it an unforgettable destination by booking DTW flights to Aruba.

Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman

The Bon Bini Festival is a one-of-a-kind folkloric event that takes place every Tuesday night in the center of Oranjestad. It includes traditional Antillean dance performances, steel pan music, a bazaar of regional arts and crafts, as well as a selection of regional delicacies and drinks. This event will be held in the fort's charming, outdoor courtyard, which is surrounded by stone walls.

Caha di Orgel

A customary musical instrument used at occasional weddings and public celebrations is the Caha di Orgel, sometimes referred to as the organ box. It uses moving strings connected to hammers and barrels pinned with metal pins to produce music. Its teeng-ee-leeng-ee sound earned it the nickname "tingling box" in Aruba.

Carnaval

The Torch Parade, which symbolizes the end of the year on the Aruban calendar, is an important occasion in the Aruban Carnaval. After the new year, it starts, and Lent officially finishes on Ash Wednesday. The festival includes street parties, steelpan drum performances, tumba competitions, calypso, and road march competitions, as well as king and queen elections. It also boasts vibrant parades, spectacular costumes, and sound trucks.

Dande

In the Aruban custom of dance, parties of five to six individuals visit the homes of family members and friends to wish them prosperity and happiness in the upcoming year. Drum, tambu, wiri-wiri, and raspa are the instruments that provide the festive energetic rhythm and catchy chorus of Dande songs.

Dera Gai

An Arawak native and Spanish missionary influence can be seen in the pagan and Catholic symbolism of the folklore festival of Dera Gai, which is held on June 24. Instead of decapitating a rooster while wearing blindfolds, the ritual now entails finding a staked flag. Harvest dances are performed by local organizations, and huge bonfires are lit all across the island to announce Dera Gai's arrival. The festival honors the island's rich cultural history.

Dia Di Betico

The Netherlands Antilles member Aruba celebrated gaining its independence from the Netherlands in 1986. The nation celebrates G. F. "Betico" Croes' birthday in honor of orchestrating Aruba's secession. A flag ceremony, food fair, and cultural performance are held at Plaza Betico Croes in honor of Aruba's "Father of the Nation" on January 25. In Betico's hometown of Santa Cruz, there are additional marathons and an island-wide Harley Davidson bike tour.

Anthem Day

Aruba's national holiday, Anthem Day, honors the Aruban people's achievement of self-determination. Political figure Betico Croes issued the first declaration of it in 1976. A scout march, a car parade, sporting events, folkloric performances, and cultural activities at museums in downtown Oranjestad are just a few of the festivities that take place on this day. The national anthem, "Aruba Dushi Tera," is a waltz written by well-known Arubanian musicians.

Gaita bands

Aruban island companies have adopted Venezuelan Christmas music and made it a part of their seasonal customs. From October through December, shopping centers and private homes host performances by Gaita bands, which are made up entirely of female singers and musicians.

Pagara

Pagaras, long Chinese firecrackers, are lit by local businesses and households between Christmas and New Year's Day to fend off evil spirits. A pagara's duration—some of which can last up to 30 minutes—can indicate how successful a company is. Days before the event, it is scheduled to allow for maximum attendance. Cheap Flights From Detroit To Aruba are available if you intend to visit the city to view a variety of attractions.