Aruba > Calendar of Events
National Holidays
2006
January 1
New Year's Day
January 25
Betico Croes' Birthday
February 27
Carnival Monday
March 18
National Anthem & Flag Day
April 14
Good Friday
April 17
Easter Monday
New Year's Day
January 25
Betico Croes' Birthday
February 27
Carnival Monday
March 18
National Anthem & Flag Day
April 14
Good Friday
April 17
Easter Monday
April 30
Queen's Day
May 1
Labor Day
May 25
Ascension Day
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
Queen's Day
May 1
Labor Day
May 25
Ascension Day
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
January / February
Jan 1: New Year's Day. Official holiday commencing with the traditional display of midnight fireworks. Legend has it that firecrackers ward off the evil spirits. Groups of musicians, known as "Dande", walk from house to house singing good luck greetings for the New Year.
Jan 25: G.F. (Betico) Croes. This official holiday pays tribute to Gilberto François Croes, an Aruban political leader who was the major player for the island to attain "Status Aparte" in 1986. With its new status, Aruba was given autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles, but remained an entity still functioning within the Dutch Kingdom. As a partner in the Dutch Kingdom, Aruba has the right to its own Parliament, police force, currency and national anthem and flag.
Jan 25: G.F. (Betico) Croes. This official holiday pays tribute to Gilberto François Croes, an Aruban political leader who was the major player for the island to attain "Status Aparte" in 1986. With its new status, Aruba was given autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles, but remained an entity still functioning within the Dutch Kingdom. As a partner in the Dutch Kingdom, Aruba has the right to its own Parliament, police force, currency and national anthem and flag.
Late January: Betico Memorial 5k and 10k Run. This late-starting amateur race takes you through the quaint neighborhoods of Santa Cruz.
One of the most exciting celebrations of the year is Carnival. The entire island participates in joyous festivities which include street parades with colorful costumes, steel and brass band music, and dances. Contests are held for best costumes, musicians, singers, and election of the Carnival Queen. Luxuriously costumed groups of celebrants of all ages enjoy the fun. During the month before Lent, the island participates in costume and float making and there are street parades with exhilarating music. The celebration culminates with the all-day Grand Parade on Sunday. But just when you think it is all over, there's the Farewell Parade and the burning of Momo, indicating the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. Symbolically, Momo's ashes are used on Ash Wednesday. If you are looking for endless fun, that's the perfect time to visit Aruba.
Highlights:
Children's Parade - Starts in the districts of San Nicolaas, Oranjestad, and Noord.
Lighting Parade - Aruba's oldest Social Club, Aruba Tivoli Club, organizes a spectacular Lighting Parade in the streets of Oranjestad. Floats and participants' costumes are all brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights.
Carnival Queen - Election begins at RCA Stadium in Oranjestad.
Carnival Parade - Begins in San Nicolaas.
Grand Carnival Parade - The Carnival festivities culminate with the Grand Carnival parade, which is always the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Aruba's main event starts in Oranjestad and continues throughout the evening in the streets of the city.
Carnival Monday - Official holiday.
Old Mask Parade and Burning of King Momo - Marks the end of Carnival season. Begins in San Nicolaas.
Highlights:
Children's Parade - Starts in the districts of San Nicolaas, Oranjestad, and Noord.
Lighting Parade - Aruba's oldest Social Club, Aruba Tivoli Club, organizes a spectacular Lighting Parade in the streets of Oranjestad. Floats and participants' costumes are all brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights.
Carnival Queen - Election begins at RCA Stadium in Oranjestad.
Carnival Parade - Begins in San Nicolaas.
Grand Carnival Parade - The Carnival festivities culminate with the Grand Carnival parade, which is always the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Aruba's main event starts in Oranjestad and continues throughout the evening in the streets of the city.
Carnival Monday - Official holiday.
Old Mask Parade and Burning of King Momo - Marks the end of Carnival season. Begins in San Nicolaas.
March
March 18: National Anthem and Flag Day. There are festivities everywhere. The official celebration is at Plaza Betico Croes, Oranjestad.
Mid March: Aruba International Half Marathon (21 km).
Mid March: Banco Di Caribe National Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San Nicolas.
Late March: The Boss Drag War at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
March 25: GOOD FRIDAY - Official Holiday
March 27 - 28: Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
Late March/Early April: Thrifty Car Rental Super Series Drag Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
Mid March: Aruba International Half Marathon (21 km).
Mid March: Banco Di Caribe National Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San Nicolas.
Late March: The Boss Drag War at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
March 25: GOOD FRIDAY - Official Holiday
March 27 - 28: Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
Late March/Early April: Thrifty Car Rental Super Series Drag Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
April
Late April: Eagle Bowling International Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace, Pos Abao.
Late April: Aruba Royal International Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
April 30: Queen Beatrix Birthday; it marks the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. Official holiday. There are festivities in different neighborhoods at a Centro di Bario (community center).
April 30: Queen's Birthday and Labor Day Golf tournament at Tierra Del Sol.
Late April: International Boulevard run; the biggest 10k run with approximately 200 participants from U.S.A., Venezuela, Colombia, Curacao, the Netherlands and Aruba. Starts: Malmok at 5:00 p.m. Finishes: Aruba Ports Authority (harbour).
Late April: Aruba Royal International Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
April 30: Queen Beatrix Birthday; it marks the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. Official holiday. There are festivities in different neighborhoods at a Centro di Bario (community center).
April 30: Queen's Birthday and Labor Day Golf tournament at Tierra Del Sol.
Late April: International Boulevard run; the biggest 10k run with approximately 200 participants from U.S.A., Venezuela, Colombia, Curacao, the Netherlands and Aruba. Starts: Malmok at 5:00 p.m. Finishes: Aruba Ports Authority (harbour).
May
Early May: Aruba Food and Wine Festival
Mid-May: Mother's Day Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mid-May: Olympics Fun Walk at Bucuti
May 23: Ascension Day
Late May: Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
Late May: Setar NV Aruba Super Series Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway in San Nicolas.
Mid-May: Mother's Day Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mid-May: Olympics Fun Walk at Bucuti
May 23: Ascension Day
Late May: Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
Late May: Setar NV Aruba Super Series Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway in San Nicolas.
June
Early June: Aruba National Beach Tennis Championship at Moombah Beach (Palm Beach).
Early June: Club Diabetico Aruba (Diabetic Club of Aruba) 4.5 km at Victoria Bottling Co. Contact
June TBA: Moet & Chandon Anniversary Cup (ACR 11 yrs. Sinigles & Doubles Mix) at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Mid-June: Father's Day Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
June 24: Dera Gai - St. John's Day. A folklore celebration at various Centro di Bario (community centers) where dancers will be dressed in bright yellow and red outfits performing, the traditional "Baile di cinta."
Late June: Aruba International Triathlon. A total of 125 athletes will participate in this event.
Late June/Early July: Aruba Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge. This is an exciting event where competitions between windsurfers and kite-surfers will take place. Participants all over the world will gather for this annual event in Aruba.
Late June: Hyundai Speed Weekend Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San Nicolas
Late June 30/Early July: Pending: Drag Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
Early June: Club Diabetico Aruba (Diabetic Club of Aruba) 4.5 km at Victoria Bottling Co. Contact
June TBA: Moet & Chandon Anniversary Cup (ACR 11 yrs. Sinigles & Doubles Mix) at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Mid-June: Father's Day Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
June 24: Dera Gai - St. John's Day. A folklore celebration at various Centro di Bario (community centers) where dancers will be dressed in bright yellow and red outfits performing, the traditional "Baile di cinta."
Late June: Aruba International Triathlon. A total of 125 athletes will participate in this event.
Late June/Early July: Aruba Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge. This is an exciting event where competitions between windsurfers and kite-surfers will take place. Participants all over the world will gather for this annual event in Aruba.
Late June: Hyundai Speed Weekend Drag Race. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San Nicolas
Late June 30/Early July: Pending: Drag Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
July
Early July: Aruba Reef Care Project (Annual marine environment awareness campaign)
July 7: Heineken Green Synergy Music Festival where artists from the Caribbean and Latin America perform.
July TBA: Back to school Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 am - 8 pm.
Mid July: Youth Bowling International Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace.
July 7: Heineken Green Synergy Music Festival where artists from the Caribbean and Latin America perform.
July TBA: Back to school Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 am - 8 pm.
Mid July: Youth Bowling International Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace.
August
Early August: Car Colour Speed Weekend. Occurs at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park in San Nicolas.
Late August: Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Teams of professional and amateur golfers compete in a 36-hole golf tournament
Late August: Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Teams of professional and amateur golfers compete in a 36-hole golf tournament
September
Early September: Texaco One Cool Summer Drag Racing at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
Early September: Healthy living 10k Fun Walk at Varadero/Bucuti
Early September: Turibana to Santa Cruz 10k race. Begins in Panaderia del Campo in Noord and ends at the Betico Croes Sprots Complex in Santa Cruz.
Early September: Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mid-Late September: Heineken Plaza Open (Singles, Doubles, Mix) at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Late September: ULTIMATEBET.COM Aruba Poker Classic takes place at the Radisson Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, where people are coming together to compete for millions of dollars. The UltimateBet event is part of the World Poker Tour, which is aired on the Travel Channel.
Early September: Healthy living 10k Fun Walk at Varadero/Bucuti
Early September: Turibana to Santa Cruz 10k race. Begins in Panaderia del Campo in Noord and ends at the Betico Croes Sprots Complex in Santa Cruz.
Early September: Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mid-Late September: Heineken Plaza Open (Singles, Doubles, Mix) at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Late September: ULTIMATEBET.COM Aruba Poker Classic takes place at the Radisson Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, where people are coming together to compete for millions of dollars. The UltimateBet event is part of the World Poker Tour, which is aired on the Travel Channel.
October
Early October: Aruba Music Festival will take place at Aruba Entertainment Center, Oranjestad.
Early October: Prevention Week 5k & 10k Run/ Walk at Tanki Flip.
Late October: Balashi Beer Super Finals Drag races with racers from U.S.A., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten and Aruba. This event will take place at the International Racetrack Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
Early October: Prevention Week 5k & 10k Run/ Walk at Tanki Flip.
Late October: Balashi Beer Super Finals Drag races with racers from U.S.A., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten and Aruba. This event will take place at the International Racetrack Palo Marga in San Nicolas.
November
Early November: Aruba International Beach Tennis.
Early November: All Stars Cross at Arikok
Early November: International Veteran Tennis Classic. This tournament will take place at the Aruba Racquet Club and attracts players from Germany, US, Bonaire, Curacao, Virgin Islands and Aruba.
Early November: Aruba KLM Open Tournament. Golf tournament of mainly Dutch competitors held at The Links at Divi All Inclusive Resort and Tierra Del Sol.
Mid November: Aruba International Catamaran Regatta. Catamarans from Europe, North America and South America will sail Aruba's waters during this event.
Mid November: Aerobics Festival at Centro di Bario Brazil
November TBA: International Tennis Classic Pepsi/Gatorade/Royal & Sunalliance Tournament at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Late November 25: Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. DecemberDecember 2, 9, 16, 23: X-mas Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Early November: All Stars Cross at Arikok
Early November: International Veteran Tennis Classic. This tournament will take place at the Aruba Racquet Club and attracts players from Germany, US, Bonaire, Curacao, Virgin Islands and Aruba.
Early November: Aruba KLM Open Tournament. Golf tournament of mainly Dutch competitors held at The Links at Divi All Inclusive Resort and Tierra Del Sol.
Mid November: Aruba International Catamaran Regatta. Catamarans from Europe, North America and South America will sail Aruba's waters during this event.
Mid November: Aerobics Festival at Centro di Bario Brazil
November TBA: International Tennis Classic Pepsi/Gatorade/Royal & Sunalliance Tournament at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord.
Late November 25: Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. DecemberDecember 2, 9, 16, 23: X-mas Food Festival & Shopping Bazaar. Most stores located on main street Caya G.F. Betico Croes are open 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The main street will be closed for all traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be live entertainment and stores will offer incentives, special gifts and raffles. Malls are open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
December
December 5: Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) Celebration
December 25: Christmas holiday.
December 26: Boxing Day
December 27: Dande Festival
December 27-31: Fire works and fire crackers display at various sites.
December 31: New Year's eve.
December 25: Christmas holiday.
December 26: Boxing Day
December 27: Dande Festival
December 27-31: Fire works and fire crackers display at various sites.
December 31: New Year's eve.