Aruba Calendar of Events 2008. Please scroll.
*Carnival festivities start a month
or two prior to the scheduled Grand Oranjestad parade. Weekends of children,
youth and adult, lighting parades in Oranjestad, Noord, San Nicolas, and more…
January 2009
Jan 1: Happy New Year
Tuesdays: Bonbini Festival Every Tuesday 18:30 - 21:00 hours. At Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad. This is a cultural event where local musicians, singers and dancers come together. Visitors are able to purchase souvenirs, and sample the local cuisine.
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
January 25 Official Protocol Program click here
Jan 25: In Memory of Betico Croes there will be starting in Santa Cruz at 5:30 p.m., a walking marathon of 5 k (kilometers) and running marathon of 10 k. Contact: IDEFRE at Tel: (297) 582 4987
February 2009
* Grand Oranjestad Parade:
· February 22, 2009 (Carnival 55th year celebration) click more for schedule
· February 14, 2010 (on Valentine’s Day)
· March 6, 2011
· February 19, 2012
· February 10, 2013
· March 2, 2014 (Carnival 60th year celebration)
Come join us for the carnival season. For updates please call: (297) 852 4212
Feb 22: Rotary Fun Run 5 k. Start: Tony Roma's at 5:30 p.m. Contact: idefre
March 2009
March 2: A worth visit to the Archeological Museum's new location, Schelpstraat 42. entrance: Free. 10:00 - 14:00 hrs. click
March 4, 11, 25: Bonbini Cultural festival starts at 6:30 pm at Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad (Historical Museum.)
March 1 – July 1: Launch of the “Herencia di Sclavitud” or Slave Heritage Exhibition.The National Archive in cooperation with the National Library of Aruba is hosting this culturally rich exhibition aimed at bringing further awareness to the community about the history of slavery in the Dutch colonies. Sabana Blanco 60, Oranjestad. Time: 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 13:30 p.m.-4 p.m For information: (297) 583 4880
Every Thursday night: 8 p.m. film night. Access Gallery and Access Annex are located in Caya G.F. Betico Croes (mainstreet) in Oranjestad and will be open from 10:00am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. For more information please call Access Art at tel:(297) 588 7837 or 588 7379
March 6, 7, 8, 9: Patriotic festival at Entertainment Center, Oranjestad. Local cuisine, local hand made products are available, and local shows to entertain the general public. Caha di Orgel dance contest and live music entertainment at 8:00 p.m., every day. March 6 & 7 opening hours: 18:00-22:00 hours. March 8 & 9 opening hours: 10:00-22:00 hours.
March 16: Aruba International Half Marathon. Contact: IDEFRE
March 17: Cultural festivities in connection with the celebration of the National Anthem and Flag day will take place on Plaza Libertador G.F. Betico Croes, Oranjestad. Starts at: 8:00 p.m.
March 18: National Anthem and Flag day. There are festivities everywhere. The official celebration at Plaza Betico Croes, Oranjestad. Starts at 10:00 a.m.
March 18: Cultural activities at the Historical Museum at Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad.
March 18: Cake decoration contest and bake-sale at Cas di Cultura, Oranjestad. 11:00 - 18:00 hours. click
March 18: Cultural activities at the National Archive of Aruba, Sabana Blanco 60, Oranjestad. Time: 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 13:30 p.m.-4 p.m For information: (297) 583 4880
March 18: Cultural event with local music, typical Aruban cuisine and bar at Museo di Antiguedad Aruba (Aruban Antique and Heritage Mueseum) at Timbalstraat 9/11, Tarabana. 10:00 hours to 16:00 hours. Roadmap
March 18: International Student Culinary Exposition at E.P.I. School, Oranjestad. Time:12:00 - 17:00 hours. Students from Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao participate for the Culinary Award. Awards night at Tierra del Sol. Time:20:30 hours.Ticket: Awg. 50,= For information contact Mr. Ryan Maduro at Tel: (297) 525 8713 or by email: rmaduro.epi@hotmail.com
March 21: GOOD FRIDAY - Official Holiday
March 23, 24: Easter Sunday and Easter Monday - Official holiday. This is the popular time for locals to camp out on the beach.
TBA: 17th Eagle Bowling International Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace, Pos Abao. Contact. Mr. Jacobo Arends Tel: (297) 582 6443
April 2008
April 2: Lecture on Aruba and times of endurance during 1850 at the historical museum, Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad.
April 6: Slavery Exhibition at the Aruba National Archive, Sabana Blanco 60 (across from the airport) Time: 10:00 hrs - 14:00 hrs. Entrance: 12 yrs and under is FREE. Adults Awg. 3,= or US$ 1.72
Exhibition until July 1, 2008: during the weekdays Mon - Fri 08:00hrs - 16:30 hrs. For Group visits, please call for an appointment at Tel.: (297) 583-4880.The National Archive in cooperation with the National Library of Aruba is hosting this culturally rich exhibition aimed at bringing further awareness to the community about the history of slavery in the Dutch colonies
Every Thursday night: 8 p.m. film night. Access Gallery and Access Annex are located in Caya G.F. Betico Croes (mainstreet) in Oranjestad and will be open from 10:00am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. For more information please call Access Art at tel:(297) 588 7837 or 588 7379
April 22: Earth Day.
April 26 – May 3: 25th Anniversary Royal Nationals Celebration Drag Race. This international event brings together competitors in a race to win. Organized by the Boss Racing Foundation of Aruba, it is held at the island’s very own speedway, the Aruba International Raceway Park in San Nicolas.link
April 29: DJ Jeroen from Amsterdam meets DJ RPS from Power 96, Miami at Cafe Bahia nightclub, Oranjestad. Come celebrate the Queen's birthday.
April 30: 48th International Boulevard run; the biggest 10 k 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). Contact: IDEFRE at Tel: (297) 582 4987
April 30: Queen's Birthday and Labor Day Golf tournament at Tierra Del Sol. Contact: (297) 586 7800 Fax: (297) 586 4970, or visit link
May 2008
May 1: LABOR DAY. Open house at the Military Camp, Savaneta.
During May: Launch of the “Herencia di Sclavitud” or Slave Heritage Exhibition.The National Archive in cooperation with the National Library of Aruba is hosting this culturally rich exhibition aimed at bringing further awareness to the community about the history of slavery in the Dutch colonies. Sabana Blanco 60, Oranjestad. Time: 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. and 13:30 p.m.-4 p.m For information: (297) 583 4880
Every Thursday night: 8 p.m. film night. Access Gallery and Access Annex are located in Caya G.F. Betico Croes (mainstreet) in Oranjestad and will be open from 10:00am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. For more information please call Access Art at tel:(297) 588 7837 or 588 7379
May 3 : Universal trophy Youth Race 5 k Start: Universal Santa Cruz at 5:30 p.m. For information contact
May 4: Conmemoring the War vicitms.
May10 : 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.
May 11: Mother's Day
May 17 : Ascension Day. Official Holiday
May 17-20: 3rd Aruba Food, Wine & Art Festival. This year the festival will feature a tribute to Frank Sinatra. For information: Franz Sydow tel: (297) 586 4466 ext. 2104 Fax: (297) 586 9286 or email An epicurean’s delight, this wine and food tasting event, held at the Westin Aruba Resort, has grown each year in popularity. It showcases the prolific culinary talents of Aruba’s chefs.
May 21-26: Soulbeach Music Festival. Grammy award winners Erykah Badu and Wyclef Jean along with R&B stars Sean Kingston, Ledisi, and Paige. For inforamtion on tickets please contact 1-800-TO-ARUBA or link
May 27: Kite Surfing Big Crossing Competition Venezuela - Aruba at Hadicurari (Fisherman's Hut). Time: 11:00 hours to Sunset. Info., please call 7487240 and ask for Jason.
June 2008
June 6,7,8: Aruba National Beach Tennis Championship at Moombah Beach (Palm Beach). Tel: (297) 593 6512 Fax: (297) 588 4278 e-mail:
Sjoerd de Vries or visit
link
June 9: 5 k race. Start: Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium at 6:00 p.m. Contact: Idefre
June 14: 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 15: Father's Day.
June 22: Olympic Day Run. Start: Guillermo Prospero Trinidad stadium at 5:30 p.m. Contact: IDEFRE
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 amongst other, the traditional “Baile di cinta.” Program
June 24: Aruba’s 21st International Triathlon. A total of 125 athletes will participate in this event. (1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run) For registratiion please contact: IDEFRE at Tel: (297) 582 4987 or email: arubathriathlon@hotmail.com
June 3, 10, 17, 24: Bonbini Festival. A cultural event at the historical Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad. Click for program.
June 27 - 29: Drag Race at the International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Visit link
July 2008
July 2 – 4: 22nd Annual Aruba Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge. Aruba is the ideal location for one of the most celebrated amateur windsurfing competitions in the world because of its continuous trade winds. Participation from a number of countries brings windsurfers, depending on skill level and age, together to compete in six different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, super masters and freestyle.web: link Email: info@hiwinds-aruba.org or Contact: Mrs. Amayra Boekhoudt at Tel: (297) 582 3777
July 4-7: International Youth Tennis Torunament (ACR 11 yrs. Singles & Doubles Mix) at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort.
July 5: Valero Fun Run/Walk. Start: Colony at 5:30 p.m. Contact: IDEFRE
Every Thursday night: 8 p.m. film night. Access Gallery and Access Annex are located in Caya G.F. Betico Croes (mainstreet) in Oranjestad and will be open from 10:00am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. For more information please call Access Art at tel:(297) 588 7837 or 588 7379
July 5-6: Aruba Reef Care Project. 13th Annual marine environment awareness campaign. Contact: Mr. Castro Perez Tel: (297) 582 3777
July 4 : Heineken Green Zone Festival where artists from the Caribbean and Latin America perform. Contact person: Mr. Garcia at tel: (297) 582-9093 Fax: (297) 583-0778
July 6– 12: Youth Bowling International Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace. Contact: Tel: (297) 582 6443 Fax: (297) 583-6310
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 a.m. – 8 p.m.
August 2008
Enjoy the SUMMER holiday at your own pace ...
Aug 19: ENSURE Fun Run & Walk. Start: TBA at 6:00 p.m. Contact: IDEFRE
August 21 – 25: 14th Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Professional and amateur golfers team up in a two-day, 36-hole tournament featuring gifts, prizes and special events. Tierra Del Sol Golf Course. Contact: Tel: (297) 586-7800 Fax: (297)
586-4970 or email: tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or Oliver Riding
Aug 29 - 31: International Drag Race at Palo Marga in San Nicolas link
Aug 30: 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.
September 2008
Sep 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Bonbini Cultural festival starts at 7 pm at Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad (Historical Museum.) Program
Sep 3: Lecture on Papiamento in the 19th century at Biblioteca Nacional di Aruba (National library), George Madurostraat, Oranjestad.
September 6 – 7: Second Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2008. The smooth sounds of Caribbean jazz float through the warm Aruban air as this outdoor festival brings an impressive line-up of international musicians to the island’s Cas di Cultura.
September 10: 55th Anniversary Celebration of the Rufo Wever Music School Aruba. The locally renowned music school will hold a number of unique activities to celebrate this historic Golden (plus five) anniversary.
Sep 13: 5:30 p.m. Kiwanis Key Club 5km Fun Run & Walk Contact: IDEFRE
September 14: Monumental Foundation’s “Monument Walking Tour”
Launched in 2006, the Monument Walking Tour takes place once a year and is a trip back in time to the Aruba of the past including visits at some of the island’s most historic sites.
Sep 18 - 24: Heineken Plaza Open (Singles, Doubles, Mix) at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord. Contact or link
Sep: TBA 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 4th season of the World Poker Tour, which is aired on the Travel Channel. Contact: Melissa for information.
October 2008
October 3-4: The Annual Music Festival. For more information click
October 5: Fire Prevention Week 5 k & 10 km Run/ Walk at Tanki Flip. Contact: IDEFRE
October 10 – 11: Seventh Annual Aruba Music Festival. This two-day star-studded concert takes place Columbus Day weekend and brings world-renowned musicians to Aruba’s shores. Past performers include Lionel Richie, STYX, Peter Frampton, John Mayer and more.
October 24 – 26: Pending Super Finals Dragraces with racers from U.S.A., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten and Aruba. This event will take lace at the International Racetrack Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Contact: Roland Arends at tel: (297) 584-0322 Fax: (297) 587-3884. e-mail: draginaruba@hotmail.com
or visit the website www.draginaruba.com
for additional information.
Oct 31 - Nov 2: Aruba International Beach Tennis. Contact Tel: (297) 593 6512 Fax: (297) 588 4278 Sjoerd de Vries or visit link
November 2008
Nov 8: Cross Country 5 k. Start: Alto Vista at 5:30 p.m. Contact: IDEFRE
November 7-11: International Veteran Tennis Classic. This tournament will take place at the Aruba racquet Club and attracts players from Germany, U.S.A. , Bonaire, Curacao, Virgin Islands and Aruba. Contact: Humphrey Hose at tel.: (297) 586-0215. Fax: (297) 586-0215 or email: arctennisclub@setarnet.aw
November 13-21: Aruba Annual International Catamaran Regatta.Catamarans from Europ, North – and South America will sail Aruba’s waters during this event. Contact: ata.aruba@aruba.com or
www.arubaregatta.com for more
information.
Art Ehibition at Tel: (297) 588 7837
November 14: Diabetic Walk Start: TBA at 5:30 p.m. Contact: IDEFRE
TBA: 26th International Tennis Classic Pepsi/Gatorade/Royal & Sunalliance Tournament at Aruba Racquet Club, Rooi Santo 21, Noord. Contact or link
November 22: 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.
November 27: Thanksgiving Day
December 1, 8, 15, 22 : 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 1: The Renaissance Marketplace Food festival. 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
December 3-6: Society of Incentive Travel Executive (SITE) in Aruba. For information link
December 5: Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) Celebration
December 20: Film night at Access Art Gallery: L'elisisr d'amore by Domenico Donizetti at 8:00 p.m. For more information: (297) 588-7837. Fantastic opportunity to buy local art by local artists.
December 25: Christmas holiday.
December 26: Boxing Day
December 27: Dande Festival. A true cultural music Festival at Club Caiquetio, Paradera. Starts at 8:00 p.m.
December 27: Film night at Access Art Gallery: La Traviata by Guiseppe Verdi at 8:00 p.m. For more information: (297) 588-7837. Fantastic opportunity to buy local art by local artists.
December 27-31: Fire works and fire
crackers display at various sites.
December 31: New Year’s eve.
The calendar of events is subject to change. ACT accepts no liability for such.
For Special Events or convention coordination:
De Palm Tours
L.G. Smith Boulevard 142, P.O.Box 656
Oranjestad
Aruba
Tel: (297) 582 4400
Fax: (297) 582 3012
Contact: Geraldine Keyter
ECO Destination Management Services
Aruba Office
Mazurka 15
Aruba
Tel: (297) 587 2921
Fax: (297) 587 2973
Contact:
Ruben Mannes - Director of Sales
Glenda Henricus – Director Operations Manager
Florida Sales Office
ECO DMS U.S.A. Contact:
5410 SW 130th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33330
U.S.A.
Tel: (954)689 4092 ext 303
Fax: (954) 689 4826
Contact: Ms. Wichita Villacres – Director
Every and Events
Ponton 36 F
Aruba
Tel: (297) 582 6034
Fax: (297) 583 1078
Contact: Mr. Errol Every – Director
For weddings:
Aruba Fairy Tales
P.O. Box 4151
Noord
Aruba
Tel: (2976) 993 0045
Fax; (297) 583 1511
Contact: Mrs. Indira Maduro
Ceremonies and Celebrations In Aruba
Dr. Henriquezstraat 9, Oranjestad
Aruba
Tel: (297) 582 2975
Fax: (297) 582 2971
USA Direct: 321 473 3856
Contact: Mrs. Lissy Lampe
Events could be coordinated with your hotel
sales department.
