What are Aruba's customs?

Answer 1

Aruba, with its cultural diversity, has a number of customs. Just a few of the many possible examples follow:

The Arawak influence is seen in the New Year's celebration, 'dande' [from the Papiamento word 'dandara' for 'to revel, carouse, have a good time']. Dande began on Aruba after the Netherlands abolished slavery on July 1, 1863. Groups travel door to door to express best wishes for the New Year through repetitive songs with the phrase 'ai nobe' ['new year'] in the chorus.

The Caribbean and Venezuelan influences are visible in celebrating Christmas and New Year with ponche crema ['eggnog'] and ayaca [tamale wrapped in banana/plaintain leaf].

The Dutch influence is seen in the celebration of Sinterklaas [Saint Nicholas, 280-342, patron saint of children and sailors], from mid-November to December 6, with 'pepernoten' [small, round ginger cookies] and 'roe' [bundle of sticks for naughty children].

Answer 2

Aruba, with its cultural diversity, has a number of traditions. The traditions draw their inspiration from the different cultures that find historical expression in the island. Particularly dominant are Arawak, Caribbean, Dutch and Venezuelan influences.

The Arawak influence is seen in the New Year's celebration, 'dande' [from the Papiamento word 'dandara' for 'to revel, carouse, have a good time']. Dande began on Aruba after the Netherlands abolished slavery on July 1, 1863. Groups travel door-to-door to express best wishes for the New Year through repetitive songs with the phrase 'ai nobe' ['new year'] in the chorus.

The Caribbean and Venezuelan influences are visible in celebrating Christmas and New Year with 'ponche crema' ['eggnog'] and 'ayaca' [tamale wrapped in banana/plaintain leaf].

The Dutch influence is seen in the celebration of Sinterklaas [Saint Nicholas, 280-342, patron saint of children and sailors], from mid-November to December 6, with 'pepernoten' [small, round ginger cookies] and 'roe' [bundle of sticks for naughty children].

Answer 3

Aruba has a diverse cultural background. The population is estimated to be 80 percent mixed Amerindian Europeanancestry and 20 percent other ethnicities. Its first inhabitants were Arawak Indians who had migrated from the Orinoco Basin in South America.

Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda [c. 1466-1515] came across Aruba in 1499 while exploring nearby Venezuela. Spain was in control of Aruba until 1636 when the Dutch gained control of the island. The United Kingdom occupied Aruba from 1799 to 1802 and again from 1805 to 1816. Aruba then returned to Dutch rule until the island gained autonomy on January 1, 1986.

Answer 4

Aruba, with its cultural diversity, has a number of traditions. The traditions draw their inspiration from the different cultures that find historical expression in the island. Particularly dominant are Arawak, Caribbean, Dutch and Venezuelan influences.

The Arawak influence is seen in the New Year's celebration, 'dande' [from the Papiamento word 'dandara' for 'to revel, carouse, have a good time']. Dande began on Aruba after the Netherlands abolished slavery on July 1, 1863. Groups travel door-to-door to express best wishes for the New Year through repetitive songs with the phrase 'ai nobe' ['new year'] in the chorus.

The Caribbean and Venezuelan influences are visible in celebrating Christmas and New Year with 'ponche crema' ['eggnog'] and 'ayaca' [tamale wrapped in banana/plaintain leaf].

The Dutch influence is seen in the celebration of Sinterklaas [Saint Nicholas, 280-342, patron saint of children and sailors], from mid-November to December 6, with 'pepernoten' [small, round ginger cookies] and 'roe' [bundle of sticks for naughty children].