Aruba Holidays
Aruba Holidays
Do you want to know which holidays you can experience during your trip to Aruba and how they affect island life?
When does Aruba celebrate and what does that mean for your trip?
Aruba has a rich range of public holidays that perfectly reflect the Caribbean character of this “One happy island”. From Good Friday and Christmas Day to unique national celebrations like Dia di Betico and Dia di Himno y Bandera, every moment offers a chance to experience Aruban culture from the inside out. During Labor Day and Boxing Day, many shops and banks close their doors, while double-paid work applies to those who do continue to work.
Special days such as Betico Croes Day honor the political leader Gilberto ‘Betico’ François Croes, who played a key role in the Status Aparte of Aruba within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On Dia Nacionál, the island is buzzing with music, with events such as the Aruba Caiso & Soca Monarch and the Grande Parade. New Year’s Eve and Easter Monday are also celebrated exuberantly, often with local snacks and live performances at Fort Zoutman.
When you book with Blue Bird Tours & Travel, we help you understand how holidays and memorial days can enrich your itinerary. This way you won’t miss an authentic street party and you will know when normal office hours apply. Travel with passion and experience Aruba at its most vibrant.
How holidays enrich your experience of the island
Carnival and the energy of Grande Parade
If you’re in Aruba around Monday before Ash Wednesday, don’t miss the Grande Parade, the highlight of the Aruban carnival. The streets are colored with costumes, dancers and musicians that bring the rhythms of the Caribbean to life. Rey Momo, the symbolic carnival king, leads the procession through Oranjestad, while the Aruba Caiso & Soca Monarch contest puts the best artists in the spotlight. At moments like these, you’ll experience why the island is also known as “One happy island”, a place where joy is deeply rooted in the local identity.
Celebrations dedicated to national pride
On Dia di Himno y Bandera , Arubans come together to honor their national flag and national anthem . This day, captured in AB 1988 No. GT13 , celebrates the symbols that represent Aruba after leaving the Netherlands Antilles. The national anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera” sounds through streets and at official ceremonies, often at the Wilhelmina Stadium or in Fort Zoutman. For travelers who want more than sun and beach, this G.F. Betico Croes Day offers insight into political history. The Commemoration G.F. Croes commemorates the man who fought for autonomy, and his legacy remains tangible in every official celebration.
Easter and Pentecost the Aruban way
During Good Friday and Easter Monday , many Arubans follow the traditions of Catholic churches and Anglican churches, where the ascension of Jesus and Christian doctrine are central. Pentecost Monday is also celebrated on the island, a time when churches are full and families come together. These religious holidays mean that shops and government services are closed, and public transport runs according to irregular services . So plan your trips in advance, or let Blue Bird Tours & Travel help you with a tailor-made itinerary that takes into account local closing times.
Local festivals that tourists often miss
The Bon Bini festival takes place weekly in Fort Zoutman and offers a warm introduction to Aruban culture through dance, music and Aruban snacks. In addition, Dia di Rincon celebrates the oldest settlement on the island, where you will find authentic cuisine and artisan markets. Pasco grandi, the Aruban word for Easter, is accompanied by family gatherings and festive meals. These moments are ideal for sampling the natural beauty and hospitality that characterize Aruba, far from the hustle and bustle of Palm Beach.
Best practices for holidaymakers
Be aware that during Official Holidays or Remembrance Days and Holidays and Holidays and Commemorative Days , banks, government agencies and many shops are closed. Employees who do work are paid twice, but for you that means limited opening hours. Pay with the Aruban florin or US dollars whenever possible, both are widely accepted. Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Education Department or the Education Inspectorate when central exams or school holidays take place according to the School Year Length Regulations , because they also influence crowds and prices. And don’t forget: during New Year’s Eve , the island erupts with fireworks and beach parties.
Blue Bird guides you through the party calendar
At Blue Bird Tours & Travel, we know that these deals & offers only become truly valuable if you choose the right moments. We consult resources such as the World Celebrations Almanac and local contacts to tailor your trip to the rhythm of the island. This way you not only book accommodation and transport, but you also get access to parties and ceremonies that otherwise slip by unnoticed. Travel with passion and let us let you experience Aruba like a local does.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who was Gilberto 'Betico' François Croes and why is he important for Aruba?
Gilberto ‘Betico’ François Croes was the political leader who fought for the Status Aparte of Aruba within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He played a key role in the secession of the Netherlands Antilles in 1986. His heritage is commemorated annually on Betico Day, also known as Dia di Betico , when Arubans gather for ceremonies and cultural events. Blue Bird Tours & Travel can help you experience this meaningful day and better understand the political history of the island.
What is the best way to get a taste of local Aruban culture during holidays?
Visit the weekly Bon Bini festival at Fort Zoutman, where you will be introduced to traditional dance, music and Aruban snacks. During Dia di Rincon , you can explore the oldest settlement with artisan markets and authentic cuisine. Pasco grandi, the local Easter, offers family gatherings where hospitality is key. Blue Bird Tours & Travel plans your visit so that you experience these hidden gems, far from the standard tourist routes, and experience the natural beauty of island life.
How do school holidays and education regulations affect the best time to travel to Aruba?
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Education Inspectorate determine the Length of School Year Regulations, which affects crowds and prices. During central exams and school holidays, accommodation costs rise and popular attractions are more crowded. The Education Department publishes the calendar every year, so that you can avoid peak times. Blue Bird Tours & Travel advises on optimal travel periods outside of this crowd, so that you experience Aruba when the island feels quieter and more authentic, with better availability of tours.
What role does King Willem Alexander play in official holidays in Aruba?
King Willem Alexander represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands, of which Aruba is an autonomous country. Official ceremonies are held during King’s Day and state visits, often attended by local authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These moments offer a unique opportunity to experience the bond between the Netherlands and Aruba. Blue Bird Tours & Travel informs you of special royal occasions that coincide with your trip, so you can witness this historic connection and official ceremonies.
What does 'Aruba Dushi Tera' mean and when do you hear this national anthem?
Aruba Dushi Tera, which means ‘Aruba Sweet Land’, is the official national anthem that sounds during Dia di Himno y Bandera, the day dedicated to Flag and National Anthem. This celebration takes place at the Wilhelmina Stadium and other official locations, laid down in legislation since the Status Aparte. The national anthem reflects the pride and identity of Arubans. Blue Bird Tours & Travel can accompany you to ceremonies where you will experience this emotional moment, together with local families who honor their national symbols.
What currency is accepted in Aruba and where do I exchange best?
The Aruban florin is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist offices everywhere. Banks and bureaux de change offer favorable rates, especially outside of official holidays or commemorations when banks are closed. Blue Bird Tours & Travel recommends having both currencies on hand for smaller transactions at local markets and during trips to remote areas. ATMs are widely spread but can be temporarily empty during busy festive periods.
How do religious holidays affect the opening hours of shops and services?
During Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day , most shops, banks and government services close according to Holiday and Commemorative Days . Catholic churches and Anglican churches hold special services around the ascension of Jesus and other moments of Christian teaching. Public transport runs according to irregular shifts, and employees who continue to work are paid twice. Blue Bird Tours & Travel plans your activities around these closures, so you don’t lose any time.
What is the difference between Dia Nacionál and Betico Croes day?
Dia Nacionál celebrates Aruba’s national identity with music, dance, and the Grande Parade, while Betico Croes Day specifically honors G.F. Croes , the political leader behind the autonomy. Both days are marked in the AB 1988 No. GT13 legislation and its official holidays or commemorative days. During Dia Nacionál everything revolves around celebration and pride, while the Commemoration G.F. Croes has a more serious character with speeches and ceremonial moments. Blue Bird helps you live both experiences in the right way.
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