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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].

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15y ago

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