Holiday Calendar for Aruba

Aruba has a varied culture. The following holidays and traditions add depth and excitement to the lives of Arubans and to the vacation experience of island guests who take part in these celebrations.  Help us 

The caha di orgel (organ box) is a traditional musical instrument typically played during national holidays and the occasional wedding or birthday celebration. Gaita: àrubans adopted this Venezuelan Christmas music and turned it into their own holiday tradition. On the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, local businesses and residences fire up pagaras—long strings of Chinese firecrackers—in order to ward off evil spirits for the coming year. Sinterklaas is the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus. Aubans celebrate New Year’s Day with a special tradition known as Dande. Groups made up of five to six people visit the homes of their families and friends, wishing these loved ones success and happiness in the coming year through song.
In mid-November, Arubans welcome Sinterklaas, his white horse, and his handful of helpers, called Zwarte Pieten, as they sail into Aruba’s harbor from Spain.
In fact, this nation of 112,000 is home to 90+ nationalities and ethnic groups. Nearly 20% of the island is a dedicated national park. The tiny island has an internationally-renowned film festival.
The Bon bini Festival takes place every Tuesday evening, rain or shine, doors open 6:30 pm and the show is from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.
For over 80 years, Aruba has been a pioneer of purified water technology. Mineral content is strictly controlled to provide a clean flavor and, among locals, an icy glass of fresh, purified seawater is called a Balashi Cocktail.
Gambling winnings don’t get taxed here.
While investigating Aruba’s mondi, you’re likely to meet more than one family of donkeys or goats many islanders raise.
Want to go on a Beach Hopping Tour to discover some of Aruba’s most breathtaking beaches? The best female freestyle windsurfer in the world is Aruban.