January
1 NEW YEAR'S DAY
Aruba welcomes in the New Year with music and an island-wide
fireworks display. After the last flash of fireworks and the
“pop” of the champagne cork, troupes of traveling
musicians, known as “Dande,” brighten the New Year
with song, bestowing blessings of goodwill and prosperity. Aruba’s
joyous holiday atmosphere pervades varied events, from casual
gatherings to grand scale receptions at island resorts.
January-February
ARUBA 52nd CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
Aruba’s biggest party of the year is a month-long celebration
consisting of festive “jump-ups” (street parties),
spectacular parades and creative contests. Music and flamboyant
costumes play a central role, from the Queen elections to the
Grand Parade, which winds it ways down city avenues to the delight
of thousands of spectators. Street parties are held in various
districts throughout the month, allowing everyone an opportunity
to participate and dance to the season’s most popular
brass band, steel band and roadmarch tunes. On the evening before
the start of Lent, February 28, 2006, Carnival officially comes
to end with the symbolic burning of “King Momo.”
January
ARUBA’S TORCH PARADE
First organized by the Tivoli Club, Aruba’s oldest social
club, the Torch Parade is now the first official parade on the
Aruba Carnival Foundation (SAC) schedule. The tradition continues
with bright lights leading the way down the streets of the capital
of Oranjestad. The parade begins at 8 p.m. and helps set the
pace for the festivities to come.
January
31ST CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL QUEEN ELECTION
Carnival excitement builds as the island elects its first queen
of the season, the Children’s Carnival Queen. Contestants,
between the ages of 6 and 9 years, demonstrate their carnival
spirit through dance performances, speeches and carnival shows.
Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark in Oranjestad at
7.00 pm
January
GRAND CALYPSO & ROADMARCH CONTEST
The island’s best bands and top singers compete for the
honor of King or Queen of Calypso or Roadmarch. Original musical
compositions and lyrics, presented in the social commentary
of Calypso or the catchy, danceable beat of Roadmarch, help
define the carnival season. The most popular songs will be featured
in the upcoming jump-ups and parades.
Venue & time: Joe Laveist Sport Park in San Nicolas at 8.00
pm
January
CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL PARADE IN SAN NICOLAS
Aruba’s youngest carnival enthusiasts take center stage
as children parade down the streets in San Nicolas dressed in
colorful costumes, representing various themes. The parade starts
at 2:00 pm in downtown San Nicolas.
January
MRS. CARNIVAL ELECTION
A light-hearted look at Aruba carnival tradition presented by
it most experienced participants, all vying for the satin sash
of Mrs. Carnival. Highlights of the election include comedic
skits and joyful displays of carnival costumes and dance. Venue
& time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark at 8:00 pm
January
25 BETICO CROES DAY
On the day of his birth, Aruba pays tribute to its greatest
statesman. The late Gilberto Francois “Betico” Croes
helped Aruba obtain its “Status
Aparte” (separate status) within the Dutch Kingdom. This
official holiday features various sporting events and games
throughout the island.
January
25 BETICO MEMORIAL 5K & 10K RUN
Betico Croes’ hometown of Santa Cruz sponsors an amateur
road race through hilly terrain. The circular route takes runners
through residential neighborhoods and back to the main intersection
of Santa Cruz. Avoiding the hotter hours of the day, the starting
pistol sounds at 5 p.m. Open registration through IDEFRE Tel.
(297)-582-4987 or Fax: (297)-583-6478 E-mail: idefre@setarnet.aw
or idefre@hotmail.com for additional information or registration.
February
52nd CARNIVAL QUEEN ELECTION
Aruba elects one of its most important carnival representatives,
its Carnival Queen. Young women, between 17 and 25 years, representing
almost all districts, schools and social clubs, compete for
the honor of leading the Grand Parade. The election, marked
by lavish production numbers, is judged by a panel of international
judges. Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark at 8:00
pm.
February
ARUBA CARNIVAL YOUTH QUEEN ELECTION
Aruba’s youth is duly represented during Carnival by their
own queen, who is elected from among the nominated youth queens
representing different districts, schools and /or social clubs.
Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark in Oranjestad at
8.00 pm
February
18 CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL PARADE IN NOORD
The district of Noord demonstrates its carnival spirit with
the presentation of its own children’s parade. Children,
representing area elementary schools and social clubs, participate
in vibrant displays of different themes. This event starts at
1:00 pm.
February
18 ARUBA’S TIVOLI LIGHTING PARADE
Aruba’s favorite evening carnival parade is a visual treat.
Thousands of tiny lights are incorporated into costumes, road
pieces and floats, bringing an added dramatic effect to an already
stunningly, creative display. Live bands accompany the various
participating carnival groups. Held in downtown Oranjestad,
beginning at 8:00 pm.
February 19 CHILDREN’S GRAND
CARNIVAL PARADE IN ORANJESTAD
The largest children’s parade joins together all of the
island’s different carnival groups to form Aruba’s
30th Grand Children Carnival parade. Hundreds of children enjoy
the opportunity to show off their dancing skills and colorful
costumes. Held in downtown Oranjestad, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
February LIGHTING PARADE SAN NICOLAS
Although not as extravagant as the Oranjestad version of the
parade, the San Nicolas Lighting Parade is no less jubilant
in its presentation of dance, music and carnival spirit. The
parade starts at 8:00 p.m.
February
24 JOUVERT MORNING
An open invitation to the island’s largest “jump
up” is heeded by carnival enthusiasts from throughout
the island. Popularly known as the “pajama party,”
thousands of people gather in San Nicolas to follow the various
live music caravans down the city streets. Set the alarm clock;
this exciting jump-up does not begin until 4:00 a.m.
February
25 GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE IN SAN NICOLAS
This is a prelude to the Grand Carnival Parade. Local musicians
create an exceptional ambience in San Nicolas by playing their
latest carnival hits, while the participants are dressed in
their multi-colored costumes. Beautifully decorated themed floats
accompanied by their floor members dance & parade through
the streets of San Nicolas till sunset.
This parade starts at 1:00 pm in San Nicolas.
February 26 ARUBA’S 52nd
GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE*
The largest carnival parade is the Grand Parade through Oranjestad,
on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This parade is filled with
music and luxurious floats and costumes, in various designs
and decorated with a wide variety of colorful stones and feathers,
creating a unique display. Aruba’s main event starts at
10:00 am in Oranjestad and continues into the evening hours.
February 27 CARNIVAL MONDAY
Official holiday
February
27 OLD MASK PARADE AND BURNING OF KING MOMITO
The end of the carnival season is first marked in San Nicolas
with a procession ending in the symbolic burning of “King
Momito.” This event starts at 8:00 pm.
February
28 OLD MASK PARADE & BURNING OF KING MOMO
Carnival 52 comes to an official end on the eve of Ash Wednesday
with the burning of “King Momo.” This is preceded
by a parade throughout the streets of Oranjestad. The parade
starts at 8:00 pm.
* In the
year 2007 the grand parade will take place on Sunday, February
18th , Contact the Aruba Carnival Foundation (Stichting Arubaanse
Carnival or SAC) at Tel. (297) 582-4214 / Fax. (297) 588-2964
for additional information.
March
18 NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLAG DAY
A strong sense of pride is displayed as Arubans mark the 28th
anniversary of Flag and Anthem Day. A large scale folkloric
production, marking the holiday, is held each year on Plaza
Betico Croes in Oranjestad. This official holiday also features
many sporting events and games throughout the island for kids
and adults.
March
17-18 BANCO DI CARIBE NATIONAL DRAG RACE
Local competitors participate in a national point series drag
race event held at Palo Marga International Raceway Park in
San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297)584-0322/ Fax.(297)-587-3884.
E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website
www.draginaruba.com for additional information
March
19 21st ARUBA INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON (21 KM)
International competitors participate in Aruba’s longest
road race, in a course that traverses the length of the island
from San Nicolas to Oranjestad. The race begins at 6:30 a.m.
Registration starts on February 1, 2005 Contact IDEFRE Tel.(297)-582-4987
or Fax: (297)-583-6478 E-mail: idefre@setarnet.aw or idefre@hotmail.com
for additional information or registration.
March
31- April 1 THRIFTY CAR RENTAL SUPER SERIES DRAG RACE
A national point series events rates local competitors in a
drag race held at Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San
Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297)-594-322/ Fax. (297)
587-3884. E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website
www.draginaruba.com
April 14 GOOD FRIDAY
Official
holiday
April
16-17 EASTER SUNDAY AND EASTER MONDAY
Official holidays
April 30 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
An official, government ceremony paying honor to Queen Beatrix
is followed by numerous sporting events and family-friendly
celebrations. Sports competitions, kite flying contests and
fun-filled activities are held at various sites, including community
centers.
April 30 46th RBTT INTERNATIONAL
BOULEVARD RACE (10K)
Aruba’s most popular running race draws over 200 competitors
from countries including Aruba, Venezuela, Colombia, Netherlands
Antilles, the US and Holland. The 10K event starts at 5:30 pm
on L.G. Smith Blvd and ends at the Aruba Ports Authority parking
lot. Entry forms will be issued in February. Contact IDEFRE
at Tel. (297) 582-4987 or Fax. (297) 583-6478 or E-mail: arubatriathlon@hotmail.com
or idefre@setarnet.aw for additional Information.
April 30 -May 1 QUEENS BIRTHDAY
& LABOR DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Amateur golfers team up to participate in this annual tournament.
Contact Tierra Del Sol at Tel. (297) 586-7800 / Fax. (297) 586-4970
e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or visit the website www.tierradelsol.com
April 28-29 GARAGE CENTRAAL EXTRAVAGANZA
DRAG RACE
International competitors compete in a drag racing event organized
by the Aruba Drag Race Foundation (ADRF).Contact Roland Arends
at Tel. (297) 584-0322. Fax. (297)587-3884. E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com
or
visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
May 1 LABOR DAY
Official holiday
May 23 ASCENSION DAY
Official holiday
May 24-29 ARUBA SOUL BEACH MUSIC
FESTIVAL 2006
Held each Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Aruba Soul Beach
Music Festival is a star-studded event. The two-day concert
series has featured past performances by artists including Maze,
Sean Paul, Chaka Khan, Wyclef Jean, India Arie, the Gap Band,
Boyz 11 Men and Lauryn Hill. Highlights include comedy nights
as well as the performances by renowned rhythm & blues musicians.
Venue: TBA. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel. (297) 582-3777
Fax. (297) 583-7403
E-mail a.boekhoudt@aruba.com or visit the website www.aruba.com
/ www.soulbeach.net for additional information.
May
27-28 SETAR NV ARUBA SUPER SERIES BRACKET DRAG RACE
The Aruba Super Series Bracket Drag Race is a national point
series event that takes place at Palo Marga International Raceway
Park in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322.
Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit
the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
June
2-3-4 ARUBA BEACH TENNIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
An international tennis tournament held at Moomba Beach. Contact
Sjoerd de Vries at (297) 593-6512 or Aruba Tennis (297) 583-7074/
Fax. (297) 588-4278 e-mail sjoerd@tennisaruba.com or visit the
website www.arubabeachtennis.com for additional information.
June 24 DERA GAI (ST. JOHN’S
DAY)
Aruba’s harvest festival is now a cultural celebration
featuring traditional song and dance. The symbol of the rooster
and bright yellow and red costumes are central to celebrations
held at various locations, including community centers.
June 23-24 HYUNDAI SPEED WEEKEND
DRAG RACE
A national point series event that takes place at Palo Marga
International Raceway Park in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends
at Tel. (297)
584-0322 / Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com
or visit
the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
June 25 21st ARUBA’S INTERNATIONAL
TRIATHLON
International competitors participate in a triathlon including
a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike race and a 10 km run. More than 100
athletes are expected to participate in the event, hosted by
the Aruba Triathlon Association. For registration and more information
contact IDEFRE at Tel. (297)582-4987, Fax. (297)583-6478 or
E-mail arubatriathlon@hotmail.com / idefre@setarnet.aw
June 28- July 4 20th ARUBA HI-WINDS
Aruba’s trade winds provide the perfect conditions for
an exciting windsurf and kite boarding competition. One of the
most popular amateur competitions in the Caribbean, sailors
from various countries participate in categories of men, women,
juniors, masters, free style and Kite. Competitions are held
off the beaches at Fisherman’s Hut at Hadicurari. Contact
ATA Special Events at Tel: (297) 582-3777 / Fax. (297) 583-7403,
E-mail a.boekhoudt@aruba.com or visit the website: www.aruba.com
or www.aruba-hiwinds.org for additional information.
July 7 17th HEINEKEN GREEN SYNERGY
FESTIVAL
An annual concert series featuring musical stars from the Caribbean
and Latin American region. Last year, popular merengue singer,
Eddy Herrera headlined the event. For information contact Mr.
Garcia at Tel: (297) 582-9093, Fax (297) 583-0778 or e-mail
garcias@setarnet.aw
Venue: Don Elias Marlboro Ballpark
July 7- 8 13th ANNUAL ARUBA REEF
CARE PROJECT
A clean-up of the island’s most popular beaches, dive
and snorkel sites helps raise awareness for a clean marine environment.
With over 800 participants, including local residents and visitors
from around the world, it is the island’s largest volunteer
environmental initiative. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority
at Tel. (297) 582-3777 / Fax. (297) 583-7403 or e-mail c.perez@aruba.com
for additional information.
July 9-15 11th YOUTH BOWLING INTERNATIONAL
TOURNAMENT 2006
Young bowlers participate in mixed teams in categories including
Pee Wee, Junior and Youth leagues. The tournament, with the
participation of host hotels La Cabana and The Mill resort,
is held at the Eagle Bowling Palace in Pos Abao. Contact Lily
Arends at Tel.( 297) 582-6443 /Fax. (297) 583-6310 or E-mail:
lillyputters@setarnet.aw for additional information.
August 4-5 CAR COLOUR SPEED WEEKEND
A national point series event held at Palo Marga International
Raceway Park in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297)
584-0322
/ Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit
the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
Sept.
1-2-3 TEXACO ONE COOL SUMMER INTERNATIONAL DRAG RACE
An international drag race and qualifying competition marks
the end of the Summit Super Series 2005. Drag races take place
at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park. Contact Roland
Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322/ Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com
or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
October 6-7 5TH ARUBA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Concert series featuring established, international music stars.
Headliners of past festivals included such musical greats as
Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash,
Chicago, Jackson Browne, John Mayer, Peter Frampton and Queen
plus Paul Rogers. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel: (297) 582-3777.Fax
(297) 583-7403 or visit the website at www.aruba.com or e-mail
ata.aruba@aruba.com
for additional information. Venue: Aruba Entertainment Center
September
10 TURIBANA TO SANTA CRUZ 10K RACE
Open road race that starts at 6:00 am from the bakery of Panaderia
del Campo, in Noord, and finishes at the Betico Croes Sports
Complex (Compleho Deportico Betico Croes) in Santa Cruz. Registration
begins as of August 1, 2006. Contact IDEFRE Tel. (297)-582-4987
or Fax: (297)-583-6478 E-mail: idefre@setarnet.aw or idefre@hotmail.com
for additional information or registration.
Sep
25 – Oct 2 The World Poker Tournament
brings poker players from around the world to compete for millions
of dollars. Previous famous Hollywood actors included Ben Affleck
and Jennifer Tilly. Contact Melissa Gaddis at mgaddis@inspiretech.com
for more information.
October
8 ARUBA FIRE DEPARTMENT 5K & 10K RUN
A 5K and 10K race, following a circular route, beginning and
ending at the Fire House in Tanki Flip, is open to all runners.
The race begins at 5:30 p.m. Registration starts on September
1, 2006. Contact IDEFRE Tel. (297)-582-4987 or Fax: (297)-583-6478
E-mail: idefre@setarnet.aw or idefre@hotmail.com for additional
information or registration.
October
27-28 BALASHI BEER FINALS SUPER FINALS DRAG RACES
An international drag race event featuring competitors from
the U.S., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten
and Aruba. Drag races are held at Palo Marga International Raceway
Park in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322/Fax.
(297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website
www.draginaruba.com for additional information.
November 3-4-5 ARUBA BEACH TENNIS
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Aruba is among the first to host an international tournament
in the new sport of beach tennis. Competitions will be held
on Eagle Beach, across from Chalet Suisse Restaurant. Contact
Sjoerd de Vries at (297) 593-6512 or Aruba Tennis (297) 583-7074/
Fax. (297) 588-4278 e-mail sjoerd@tennisaruba.com or visit the
website www.arubabeachtennis.com for additional information.
November ARUBA KLM OPEN TOURNAMENT
Competitors, primarily from the Netherland, participate in a
tournament held at The Links at Divi All Inclusive Resort and
Tierra del Sol.Contact Tierra Del Sol at Tel. (297) 586-7800/
Fax. (297) 586-4970 e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or visit
the website at www.tierradelsol.com for additional information.
November
3-7 25th INTERNATIONAL VETERAN TENNIS CLASSIC
Veteran tennis players from the US, Germany, Virgin Island,
Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba participate in a tournament held
at the Aruba Racquet Club. Contact Humphrey Hose at Tel. (297)
586-0215,
Fax. (297) 586-0215 or e-mail arctennisclub@setarnet.aw
November 3-11 16th ARUBA INTERNATIONAL
CATAMARAN REGATTA
Celebrating its 16th anniversary, this annual international
catamaran regatta will decorate Aruba’s turquoise waters
with the colorful sails of catamarans from Europe, North and
South America. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel. (297) 582-3777
/Fax. (297) 583-7403 or e-mail a.boekhoudt@aruba.com or visit
the website www.aruba.com or www.arubaregatta.com for additional
information.
December
5 SAINT NICOLAS DAY
Children receive gifts on the birthday of “Sinterklaas”
(Saint Nicolas). Sinterklaas, dressed in bishop’s robes
and accompanied by his “Zwarte Pieten” (helpers),
officially arrives in Aruba a couple of weeks before his birthday.
His arrival by boat at Paardenbaai Harbor in Oranjestad is celebrated
with great fanfare. Brass bands head the parade through downtown
Oranjestad as children enjoy their first glimpse of the season
of Sinterklaas. Treats of spice cookies and candies are passed
out to the children by his helpers. In the days before December
5, hopeful children leave out shoes and treats for Sinterklaas’
white horse in anticipation of Sinterklaas’ nighttime
arrival. Sinterklaas and his helpers are often spotted during
the daytime at events sponsored by schools and commercial establishments.
December
25 CHRISTMAS
Official holiday
December
26 BOXING DAY
Official holiday
The
Bon Bini Festival is a year-round folkloric event held every
Tuesday night, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad
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