Aruba holidays

Want to understand why Aruba is often called the happiest island in the World? Then visit during carnival time when steel bands play ear-catching music and the locals take to the streets bedecked in colourful, elaborate costumes dancing and parading for all the world to see and admire.

riginating in 1954 as modest street parties, Antigua's carnival now spans weeks of vibrant celebrations rooted in Lenten and Easter traditions. Highlights include pageants, parades, live music, energetic "Jump Up" street bashes, and the festive J'ouvert allowing kids to join the revelry.

The island-wide party culminates on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday with the Grand Parade. Led by the Carnival Queen this glorious spectacular of noise and colour is, in our opinion, best seen at night in the capital Oranjestad where the largest processions and parties take place.

Music is highly celebrated in Aruba and is an integral part of the culture. Taking influence from the Netherlands, Africa and Latin America just to name a few, it’s no surprise that Aruban music is adored by everyone.

Although Aruba appreciates every genre of music and performs festivals that cater to everyone’s tastes, the most popular played and listened to music in Aruba is called tambu. Tambu is a uniquely Aruban, fast-paced style of music that is perfect for you to showcase your best dancing moves. Tambu takes its name from conga drums, the main instrument used in tambu music.

In the past, tambu was used by African slaves to convey their feelings and  traditionally sung by women. However, men now also sing tambu and their songs often include social commentary based on what has occurred in the previous year.

Aruba demonstrates its love for music and is infamous for putting on festivals like no other. These festivals can last up to a week at a time and showcase a mixture of beloved genres from around the world. The best time to experience these delights is between Jan-April.

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie and believe that variety is the spice of life, then Aruba is the place for you. Due to being heavily influenced by over 90 nationalities that inhabit the island, including Spanish, Chinese and African, you can expect to be taken on a culinary adventure like no other.

Regardless of the warm weather, a lot of Aruban food consists of stews and soups that use local ingredients. This is largely down to the fact that these dishes are very inexpensive to make. Arubans are also huge lovers of fried food (aren’t we all!). One particularly popular deep-fried breakfast dish is Pastechi; a pastry stuffed with either cheese, ham, beef, chicken or tuna. Sometimes the Asian influence takes over though and Pastechi is filled with chop suey.

Due to Aruba being a constituent country of the Netherlands, it comes as no surprise that some of their dishes are Dutch-inspired. Keshi Yena, considered Aruba's national dish, exemplifies the island's Dutch culinary influences. This medley of leftovers like chicken, peppers, onions, olives and cashews is encased in a hollowed-out Gouda or Edam cheese rind. Born from necessity, it's now a staple at authentic Aruban eateries.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you're in luck. Arubans love their desserts such as sweet banana bread or small buns baked with sugar and almonds often accompanied by tea or coffee. Chocolate cake flavoured with vanilla is another favourite as are rum and coconut fancies. For something more unconventional, try prunes baked in dough or the dessert called kesio which is filled with delightful and indulgent custard.

No holiday is complete without sipping a cocktail (or two!) and Aruba’s signature cocktail; Aruba Ariba is a perfect choice. Appropriately named after the island it derives from, this cocktail is a mixture of rum, vodka, a variety of fruit juices and sugar to name just a few of the quintessentially Caribbean ingredients that it contains. This delicious cocktail also contains a special ingredient; an agave plant, which can only be found on the island. Although this cocktail may taste like you’re just drinking juice, be careful as it can pack quite the punch!

For a taste of Aruba, sip on the island's beloved Balashi Beer, distinguished by a slightly bitter flavor from imported Scottish hops. So popular is this local brew that a $12 million state-of-the-art, automated brewery using German technology was built in 1998 to meet demand.

Most major brands of imported beers and spirits are readily available but during your stay, we recommend you try out the locally made Palmera Rum, Sea Grape wine and Coecoei, a deep red alcoholic drink used in many cocktails.

Think of Aruba, a small Caribbean island, caressed by warm tropical seas; then think of sporting activities and your mind is naturally drawn to water-based activities such as diving and surfing, but think again. While it is true that the island has an abundance of opportunities to pursue these activities it also has other sporting pursuits.

Aruba has competed under its own name at the Summer Olympic Games since 1988 and has produced some fine athletes.

It also has its own baseball league and several Aruban players have transferred their skills to the American professional leagues such as Xander Yan Bogaerts who played for the Boston Red Sox.

Surprisingly, the national sport of Aruba is actually Association football (soccer), which is popular across the island.

If you're interested in watching or participating in these sports, then check out the schedules at Don Elias Mansur Ballpark and Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad; both multipurpose facilities host athletic, baseball and football events.

Aruba offers a shopper's paradise, whether you're looking for a special souvenir or a luxurious pair of sunglasses. The island's shopping malls, downtown areas, and markets have everything you could wish for and more.

For a taste of European elegance, head to Caya G.F. Betico Croes, also known as Main Street, in Oranjestad. This bustling half-mile-long street is popular with locals and offers a variety of French fashion and Swiss watches, making it a dream destination for shoppers.

Downtown Oranjestad features many charming small malls, where Dutch Caribbean-style shops entice visitors with Delft porcelain, locally produced chocolate, and cheeses. Souvenir options abound, from mass-produced models of cunucu farmhouses and divi-divi trees to unique jewellery and art created by local craftsmen. Additionally, locally grown aloe vera-based skin and hair products are perennial favourites.