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 Sunset, Aruba
The Dutch began colonizing Aruba at the end of the 17th century. In 1986 Aruba became an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. When the mines became unproductive, Aruba turned to the production of oil. In 1929 the world 's largest refinery was built on the south-eastern tip of the island.
The heritage of the Arawak Indians is stronger on Aruba than on most Caribbean islands. Though the indigenous language and culture did not last long into the 19th century, one can still sense this culture and its atmosphere on the island. The majority of the population descends from Arawak Indians.
Many people in Aruba speak four languages: Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento, sometimes even in the same conversation! Papiamento is a melodious language derived from every culture that has had impact on the region, it is spoken throughout the Dutch Antilles but is more Spanish-based on Aruba.
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Do's and Don'ts
| Local cuisine | Meals from all over the world are served in the Aruban restaurants. A lot of these meals are influenced by the Dutch cuisine. One can find a lot of dishes with cheese or rice. It is also possible to eat typical Aruban specialties such as sopi di yuana (iguana soup), Funchi (cornmeal bread) and pan bati (Aruban griddle bread made with cornmeal). Other specialties are keri keri (finely minced fried shark) and bestia chiquita stoba (stewed lamb served with delicious freshly baked pan bati). | | Social customs | Arubans are known for their warm and friendly attitude. They have legendary smiles and they are very helpful. | | Clothing | One can dress informally unless formal dress is specifically requested. It is better to avoid wearing scanty clothing or beachwear in towns, villages or religious places as a gesture towards the islanders. | | Tipping | Hotels and restaurants can add a 15 per cent service charge to a bill. If this is not included one can tip 10 to 15 per cent depending on the service received. Taxi fares do not have a tip included, but taxi drivers may charge extra for luggage. Tips of 10 per cent are customary but are not obliged. |
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Religion
82 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic. Other inhabitants of Aruba are Protestant, Jewish, Hindu or Muslim.
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Cultural attractions
| Date | Event | | Tuesday nights | Bon Bini | Bon Bini (means welcome in Papiamento) Festival, is a year-round folkloric event, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad. | | April to September | One Cool Summer | This festival takes place every Wednesday during the summer season. It is a Food and Art Festival with live entertainment, music, food and beverage and a display of the local artists art works on the festival grounds between the Allegro Resort and Hyatt Regency Resort. Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | | April 30 | Queens Birthday | Official holiday honouring Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Island activities marking the day begin with an official ceremony, followed by kite contests, sporting events and other fun activities organized at various community centres. | | End of June/beginning of July | Hi-Winds World Challenge | One of the most popular amateur competitions in the Caribbean takes place in Aruba with participants from 30 countries. Windsurfers, depending on skills level and age, can compete in six different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, super masters and free style. Competitions are held on the beaches off Fisherman Hut at Hadicurari. | | End of June | Aruba Jazz and Latin Music festival | This festival is a spectacular, two-day international festival bringing renowned Jazz and Latin musicians together for the performance of the year. | | Beginning of July 6 | Heineken Music Festival | Free concert featuring performances of bands from the Caribbean region, organized by Heineken. The festival takes place at the Don Elias Mansur Ballpark. | | October 3 - 6 | Festival de las Americas | Annual music festival features the unique rhythms of the Americas. |
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