Join the Celebration of Aruba's Rich Cultural Diversity

Though the Caribbean is known as a colorful and historically rich region, few travelers are aware of the remarkable cultural diversity represented in Aruba. Originally inhabited by native Arawak Indians, Aruba changed European hands throughout the colonial period. After living under Spanish rule for many years, the island came to be part of the Dutch Kingdom near the end of the colonial period. Though the island maintains its ties to The Netherlands, more than 40 different nationalities are represented amongst Aruba’s population of 88,000. This astonishing diversity can be experienced by visitors in everything from art and architecture to cuisine and entertainment. Yet, one of the best ways to embrace the unique culture of Aruba is to join the locals during holiday celebrations – such as the truly Aruban custom of St. John’s Day, the classically-influenced Carnival event known as Bacchanal and the Caribbean-inspired traditions of New Year’s Day.

One of the most unique local traditions takes place each year on June 24, known as St. John’s Day or Dera Gai. This distinctly Aruban celebration represents a combination of pre-colonial Arawak harvest festivals and Christian traditions introduced to the Caribbean by Spanish missionaries. Though the feast day of St. John is recognized in many countries with Catholic influence, Aruba is the only place in the world that greats this summer holiday with dancing and other festivities.

Throughout Aruba, locals don traditional red and yellow tops on St. John’s Day to symbolize fire. At most of the celebrations across the island, a singer will perform a “dera gai” (dead rooster) song while musicians provide accompaniment on drums, violin and a traditional Caribbean instrument known as a wiri. While the performance takes place, a member of the crowd is selected to hit a fake rooster – a tradition very similar to the Mexican piñata. The crowd eagerly awaits the destruction of the rooster, as the bird contains wonderfully fragrant fruit – usually a calabash. Strong enough to wash over a large crowd, the smell of the fruit signifies peace and thanksgiving for locals and tourists alike.

Though the traditions of St. John’s Day might seem strange to visitors, the celebration is actually very similar to the American custom of Thanksgiving. Much like Thanksgiving, St. John’s Day is enjoyed by locals with a wide array of delicacies and traditional foods. Though Arubans use this holiday to spread goodwill and offer thanks for the previous year, tourists are always welcome to participate in the celebrations. Whether you spend your time in Aruba on the beaches of Oranjestad or in the arid countryside, you will find plenty of exciting festivities on St. John’s Day.

Arubans also put some interesting local twists on the Caribbean custom of Carnival. Often referred to as Bacchanal, annual Carnival celebrations in Aruba often borrow elements of Roman and Greek myth. As the term Bacchanal references the ancient god of wine and revelry (Dionysus in Greek myth, Bacchus in Roman myth), the celebrations in Aruba are known for both artistic expression and lighthearted enjoyment. Though Aruba borrows inspiration from ancient European cultures, visitors will still find plenty of the exotic Caribbean flourishes that have made the region’s celebrations famous throughout the world. Aruba’s Bacchanal celebration takes place each year before the beginning of Lent, typically in the month of February.

New Year’s Day is yet another holiday that is infused with unique Aruban traditions. Each year, as the clocks are preparing to change, Arubans gather together in the dande – a festive celebration of singing and dancing that dates to the freeing of the slaves during colonial times. The dande celebration typically begins with groups of five or six performers that travel door-to-door spreading cheer for the coming year. After singing songs featuring the phrase “ai nobe” (New Year), the groups often gain members and travel throughout Aruba’s neighborhoods to celebrate with both locals and visiting families.

Regardless of when you visit Aruba, you are certain to encounter some of the island’s unique customs and celebrations. Considering the island’s diverse history and culture, it should come as no surprise that Aruba is able to offer tourists unique experiences not only on holidays, but every day of the year.

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