Home to 102 different nationalities and nicknamed ‘One Happy Island’, Aruba is a vibrant and diverse mix of cultures making it a hotspot for festive celebrations this December.
Christmas time in Aruba is especially magical; the 193 km² island comes alive with festive cheer and sparkle, embracing traditions and celebrations from all over the globe under the Caribbean sunshine.
Caribbean, European, African, Asian and Latin American customs live in harmony and transform the island into a delightful mix of sights, sounds and tastes. From secret Sinterklaas visits and Noche Buena to delicious traditional delicacies and vibrant music performances; Aruba has endless festive activities to get involved in. The Caribbean Island captures the festive magic whilst offering a sun-soaked paradise and fun-filled activities for couples, families and friends to enjoy.
IMPORTANT FESTIVE EVENTS:
Sinterklaas’s arrival
The first event to ignite the holiday season is the arrival of Sinterklaas on the 5th December. Reaching the island by steamboat, the white-bearded figure in a red robe and golden staff explores the island riding a white horse. On this day, he leaves gifts outside homes and fills children’s shoes with an assortment of sweets and chocolate – left there in anticipation of his arrival. Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for Sinterklaas’s little helpers, causing all kinds of magical mischief!
Dia de las Velitas
With a prominent Colombian community on the island, Dia de las Velitas has become a popular festive tradition. Celebrated on the 7th December, eve of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, small candles are lit whilst family and friends gather around food and music to relish in each other’s company.
Christmas Eve
The night before Christmas, Arubans dress up in their finest clothes and attend Christmas Eve mass to receive blessings. After church and wishing each other “Bon Pasco”, they go home and have traditional Christmas dinner, also known as Noche Buena. Families then celebrate Christmas morning opening presents and having the traditional Christmas breakfast. There are other celebrations such as the Jewish Festival of Lights (Hanukkah) which lasts 8 days or the day of The Three Kings which involves more gift-giving.
Pagara
On the 31st December, the island connects to celebrate the end of another year with an explosive show of loud noises and swirling smoke. Pagara is a traditional Chinese custom believed to ward off evil spirits. At Wind Creek Renaissance Aruba, New Year’s Eve is marked with a big bang, as a string of red firecrackers are placed along the shore and lit to create a spectacular show. Afterwards, guests are invited to dance at the Renaissance Marketplace main stage and enjoy a music show.
New Year’s Fireworks
The New Year fireworks extravaganza is a popular and impressive celebration in Aruba. The heart of Oranjestad becomes a vibrant hub of excitement and the beaches glow and boom with vibrant fireworks, casting a happy new year spell across the island.
FESTIVE TRADITIONS:
Festive feasts:
Food is especially important during the holidays and is a beautiful reflection of Aruba’s cultural diversity. Ham di Pasco is a common centrepiece in Aruban households; adorned with pineapple slices and bright red cherries. Another local favourite is ayaca, a Venezuelan-inspired dish of cornmeal dough filled with meat, spices, prunes, raisins, and cashews, wrapped in banana leaves and tied up to give the appearance of an unwrapped present. A popular dish for the Noche Buena celebration is the Pan de Jamon, originating from Venezuela, dough is lined with ham trimmings, raisins and olives, rolled into a loaf and baked in the oven.
A must-try beverage is the island’s traditional ponche crema, a Caribbean take on eggnog. Local bakeries tempt visitors with festive treats like the pan dushi, a small bread, or delicious, sweet treats. As the new year approaches, food stands offering oliebollen, a Dutch treat of deep-fried dough covered in powder sugar, pop-up everywhere. These delicious light bites are plain or filled with apple pieces, or raisins.
Sparking Lights & Christmas Markets
Visitors to the ‘One Happy Island’ can expect twinkling Christmas lights and decorations at every turn. Seroe Preto, a neighbourhood in San Nicolas, becomes a twinkling display from mid-December until January. For those seeking true holiday cheer, head to Aruba’s winter wonderland market in downtown Oranjestad. Visitors can savour artisanal food and drinks, participate in arts and crafts and enjoy live entertainment.
Dande
After the turn of New Year, groups of singers accompanied by musical groups present their original compositions and lyrics, along with the traditional Dande song. Traditional Aruban instruments, such as the Tambu, Wiri and Raspa provide festive music with a contagious chorus. This type of Christmas music, known as Gaita, found its origin in Venezuela and was fully embraced on the island. During the days and hours leading up to New Year’s Day small groups of musical performers and singers go door to door, visiting companies, families and friends to deliver musical well wishes for the year ahead.
With a Christmas trip to Aruba, visitors can immerse themselves in local and global traditions and get in the festive spirit, whilst leaving winter behind and diving into sunny adventures on this beautiful Caribbean Island.
