Visit Aruba during the holidays to make them extra happy, start a new family tradition or experience one of our one-of-a-kind events or festivals, like Carnival, that bring people to Aruba from all over the world.
Below are just a few of the events that keep us entertained all year round, but for more ideas, see our complete Calendar of Events.
CARNIVAL
January & February
Aruba’s biggest party of the year is a month-long celebration in January and February, consisting of festive “jump-ups” (street parties), spectacular parades and creative contests.
SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
May
Held on Memorial Day weekend, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival is a star-studded, two-night concert and comedy series, which has featured such artists as
LL Cool J and Chaka Khan.
DERA GAI
June
On the night of June 23rd, the Festival of San Juan Dera Gai begins. Folk groups dance, special tunes are chanted and bonfires are lit, as men are blindfolded and try to strike a gourd that represents the head of a buried rooster.
ARUBA HI-WINDS
July
Aruba’s trade winds provide the perfect conditions for the largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean. In early July, enjoy five days of nonstop entertainment, as over 100 international windsurfers hit the waters surrounding Aruba.
THE HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR’S
December
While it may be 82 degrees year round in Aruba, the spirit of Christmas and the holiday season remain strong. With over 90 nationalities represented on our island, you’ll see a mixture of traditions from all over the world.
The festivities kick off with Saint Nicholas day on December 5th, when Aruba’s children line Oranjestad harbor for the ceremonious arrival of “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicolas), dressed in bishop’s robes and accompanied by his “Zwarte Pieten” (helpers), followed by the Dande Festival on December 27th, when troupes of traveling musicians perform their original music and lyrics.
As the New Year approaches, there is a nonstop calendar of events, including fireworks displays, Dande music performances and parties at restaurants and nightclubs.
