Aruba - Calendar of Events

Aruba:Calendar of Events

The Original Official Homepage of the Aruba Tourism Authority

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

Ongoing Events

Every Tuesday Bon Bini Festival. A year-round folkloric event held at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad at 6:30pm.
Every Wednesday Watapana Food & Art Festival from 6 - 8:30pm. Held between the Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino and the Americana Aruba Beach Resort & Casino.

January

1 New Year's Day. Official holiday commencing with the traditional display of midnight fireworks and firecrackers. Legend has it that firecrackers ward off the evil spirits. Groups of musicians, known as "Dande" stroll from house to house singing good luck greetings for the New Year.
11-Feb 24 Carnival 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, dances and flats. Contests are held for best costumes, musicians, singers and election of the Carnival Queen.
Date tbd Calypsonian Contest and Roadmarch Contest Starts at 8 pm in San Nicolaas.
25 Official Holiday in Memory of G.F.(Betico) Croes, the Aruban political leader who attained "Status Aparte" from Holland, introduced Aruba's own currency and established Aruba's National anthem and flag.

February

8 Children's Parade Starts at 2 pm in the district of SanNicolaas.
14 Children's Parade Begins at 1 pm in the district of Noord
14 Lighting Parade Aruba's oldest Social Club, Aruba Tivoli Club, organizes a spectacular Lighting Parade in the streets of Oranjestad starting at 8 pm. Floats and participants' costumes are all brilliantly illu- minated with hundreds of tiny lights.
15 Children's Parade Begins in Oranjestad at 1 pm.
20 Carnival Queen Election Begins at 8 pm at RCA Stadium in Oranjestad.
21 Carnival Parade Begins at 2 pm in San Nicolaas.
22 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 at 11 am in Oranjestad and continues throughout the evening in the streets of the city.
23 Carnival Monday - official holiday.
23 Old Mask Parade and Burning of King Momo Marks the end of carnival season. Begins at 6 pm in San Nicolaas.
24 Old Mask Parade & Burning of King Momo Marks the end of the 44th Carnival season in OrOranjestad. As the carnival ends before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the burning of King Momo (symbol of the flesh) must take place before midnight.
Total Solar Eclipse Aruba has been desingnated by NASA as one of the best locations from which to view the last solar eclipse of the century in the Western Hemisphere. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority, Special Events Department at 297-823777 or fax 297-834702 for additional information.

March

Date tbd National Drag Races Featuring cars from various countries at Pal Marga Raceway in San Nicolaas. Races are organized by the Aruba Drag Race Foundation (ADRF). For more information contact the ADRF at 297-829085.
16 13th Aruba International Half Marathon (21 k). For more information or registration contact IDEFRE 297-824987 or fax 297-836478
17 St. Paddy's Day Golf Tournment An 18-hole scramble at Tierra Del Sol followed by an awards cocktail party. Fun for all skill levels. Contact Tierra Del Sol at 297-867800 for additional information
18 National Anthem and Flag Day Official Holiday. Display of flags, national music and folkloric events are part of the traditional celebration for this historical occasion taking place at the Plaza Betico Croes
19 - 21 Annual Travel Conference Aruba (ATCA) Aruba's annual conference for U.S. wholesalers, tour operators and airlines. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 1-800-TO-ARUBA for additional information.

April

6, 7 & 8 Aruba Amateur Golf Classic Aruba's largest amateur golf tournament of the year, a 54-hole stroke play event, held at Tierra Del Sol. Visitors are welcome to participate. Handicap required. Contact Tierra Del Sol at 297-868700
10, 12 & 13 Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday Official holidays.
24 Aruba Bartender's Contest. Annual contest for the Aruba Bartenders Association to select a new "Once Cool Summer cocktail." The winner will represent Aruba at the Latin American Bartenders Contest. Contact Mr. Albert Tromp at 297-86655 for additional information.
25-27 National Horse Fair National and International horse fair for the "Paso Fino" stables in Aruba, competing at the Rancho El Paso
26-May 3 Aruba International Kite Festival Aruba will host its International Kite Festival during a seeason when winds are traditionally their strongest. The festival includes a kite workshop, night flying and various contests. Contact Roque Jansen of the Aruba Kite Association at 297-826443.
27-May 3 International Bowling Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace, Pos Abao. For more information can the organization committee at 2-978-264423.
thu May Aruba Royal National Drag Races Drag races will take place at Palo Margo in San Nicolaas. Contact Fransisca at 297-822076 for additional information.
30 Queen's Day Official holiday in honor of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Official ceremonies, as well as kite contest, sporting events, parades with national music, and other events throughout the island.
30 37th Annual 10 Km Boulevard Race
30 Summer Jam - Official Start of "One Cool Summer" Program Festivities begin at 7 pm and include folkloric groupes, carnival bands and Aruban cuisine. Aruba heats up with One Cool Summer as the island offers a series of events and sports activities including street art galleries, jazz concerts, Aruba's annual windsurfing competion and beach events, May through September.
30 & May 1 Queen's Birthday Golf Tournment A 2-day , 36 hole tournment held in celebration of Queen Beatrix's birthday. Contact Tierra Del Sol at 297-868700

May

20-25 Sinbad's Soul Music Festival This Festival features six days and five ights of concerts and parties. The main stage concerts, along with one-hour comedy jam concert starring the popular actor/comedian Sinbad, will be taped for HBO. For more information call 1-800-SOUL or check our the official website at http://www.soulmusicfestival.com.
1 Labour Day Official holiday.
7 Assension Day Official holiday.
7 Aruba Culinary Exhibition & Competition An annual event in which chefs from various hotels and restaurants create an original three course meal -- appetizer/soup, entree and dessert. Winners will represent Aruba in the "Tast of the Caribbean" competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For information contact the Aruba Gastronomic Association at 297-862162 or fax 297-862162
11 - 16 ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean) Anniversary Celebration ECLAC will be celebrating its 50th anniversary as a United Nations affiliate in Aruba.
14 - 17 Aruba Travel Exposition (ATEX) Aruba's Travel Exposition is Aruba's annual tavel trade conference especially designed for travel agents from around the world. To register, contact AHATA at 297-822607.
22 - 23 The Caribbean Inter-Club Challenge Represent your club either as an individual player or as a tean in this 2-day, 36-hole tournment. Contact Tierra Del Sol at 297-868700 for additional information
27 - June 2 Aruba's International Soccer Tournment In anticipation of Aruba's 500th anniversary celebration, to be held in 1999, selections of top soccer teams from Brazil, Cuba, Suriname, Aruba and the Netherlands have been invited for an internaional soccer tournament. Contact 297-831256 or 297-822400 for additional information.

June

Date tbd OHRA Dutch Open More than 100 bowlers from Holland participate in this bowling tournment, held at Eagle bowling Center. For additional information, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 297-82377.
1 - 8 Hi-Winds Pro-Am World Challenge One of the most popular pro-am competitions in the Caribbean happens here in Aruba with participation of windsurfers from 30 different countries. Windsurfers of all skill levels and ages can compete in six different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, super masters and the recreational class. Competitors take a shot at the prestigious Aruba Hi-Winds title and more than $60,000 in amateur prizes. For additional information, contact Jean-Pierre at 297-931111.
5 - 7 Windsurfing Festival Learn to windsurf! Aruba hosts a windsurfing festival and consumer trade show featuring the latest product designs, combined with live island music and food festival on the beach.
24 St. John's Day (Dera Gai) Dera Gai (the burying of the rooster) is a festival to celebrate and give thanks for a successful harvest. Celebrated with folk dances and music.
28 Final "Dera Gai" Championship Finalist of folk dance competitions held throughout the island compete at the G.F. (Betico) Croes Plaza. Contact your hotel desk for additional information.
29 Aruba 13th International Triathlon Open to the public, this international triathlon consists of a 1.5 km swimming, 40 km biking and 10 km running. For registration and more information call the I.D.F.R.E. at 297-824987 or 297-836478

July

3 Heineken Music Night Local and international groups participate in this concert. Free admission. contact Aruba Agencies at 011-297-823750 or the Aruba Tourism Authority at 011-297-823777 for additional information.
4 - 5 Aruba Perrier Reef Clean Up Project Annual awareness campaign to help educate the public about the importance of protecting the island's marine environment. Local community, certified divers and visitors participate in clean-up program to preserve reef and beach areas.
27 - 30 Latin America Bartenders Contest IV Bartenders from the Latin American Bartenders Association (ALAB) including Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba, participate. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 800-TO- ARUBA or 287-823777 for additional information.

August

Date tbd One Cool Summer Drag Race 1998 Drag race qualifying competition takes place at the International Raceway Park Palo Marga. Contact the Aruba Drag Race Foundation (ADRF) at 297-829085 for additional information.
29 - 31 Mundialito 1998 The largest horse show in Aruba features horses from the best stables of Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Curacao, Europe and Aruba. The competition takes place at Ranco El Paso. For additional Informatio, contact Mr. Nahar at 297-855300.

September

23-27 Aruba Caribbean Corporate Games A multi-sport festival combining sports, tourism and business in a playful atmosphere. For additional information, contact the Aruba Conventions Bureau at (954) 767-3395
Date tbd Aruba Super Bracket 1998 (National Drag Race Event) Drag Race qualifying competition held at the International Raceway Park Palo Marga. Contact the Aruba Drag Racing Foundation (ADRF) at 297-829085 for additional information
25 - October 3 International Theater Festival
30 - October 4 Conferencia Anual De Turismo De Aruba (CATA) Aruba's annual conference for wholesalers, tour operators and aircraft companies form Latin America and the Caribbean. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 011-297-82377 for additional information.

October

23, 24 & 25 Aruba Amateur Clasico De Golf Golfers from Latin America compete in this 54-hole stroke tournment. Call Tierra Del sol for more information
24-25 Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament Annual championships held in October at the Aruba Nautical Club. For more information contact the Nautical Club at 297-853022.
Date tbd Aruba Super Nationals 1998 ( International Drag Race Event) Auto racing competition featuring competitors from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Veneuela, Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba at the International Raceway Park Palo Marga. Contact the Aruba Drag Racing Foundation (ADR) at 297-829085 for additional information.

November

6-14 Catamaran Regatta The 8th annual international catamaran regatta event. Catamarans from Europe, North and South America, all competing in this event. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at 297-82377 for additional information.
16, 17 The Johnnie Walker Black Label Pro-Am Professional and amateur golfers team up in this 2-day, 36-hole tournament. Contact Tierra Del Sol at 297-860978 for additional information.
27 - 29 Aruba National (Point Series) National auto racing competition to take place at International Raceway Park Palo Marga. Contact ADRF at 297-829085 for additional information.

December

5 Saint Nicolaas Day. Saint Nicolaas celebrates his birthday. TraditionallySaint Nicolaas arrives with his Zwarte Pieten (helpers) at the Parrdenbaai Harbor in Oranjestad just before his birthday to greet the children of Aruba and reward them with gifts for their good behavior during the year.
25 Christmas December 25 is an official holiday, celebrated with special season's delicacies, food, drink, family traditions and exchange of gifts.
26 Boxing Day An official holiday, a tradition kept over from the colonial days.

There are additional weekly events scheduled by most hotels throughout the year.

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Ongoing Events

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