Guide: all countries » Aruba » Oranjestad » Traditions and festivals

Colors of Oranjestad - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

People of Oranjestad are known for their welcoming and friendly character, which makes holidays in this city even more comfortable and interesting. From the first minutes of communication with the townspeople, one can note their calmness and gradual approach - it seems that no events can disrupt the long-standing measured rhythm of life here. Some foreign guests can mistake their behavior for ordinary laziness, and such associations are quite justified. Citizens are indeed unhurried in their approach, and such behavior manifests itself at any given opportunity.
Shopping in Oranjestad - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
Oranjestad is considered Aruba's most attractive city for shopping. Travelers should pay special attention to goods made in Indonesia and the Netherlands. Most of the shops in popular … Open
Visiting one of the local stores, one should not expect that the seller will drop everything and rush to serve you immediately. Most likely, you will have to wait a few minutes before he or she completes the current task and draws attention to you. Such a leisurely service is common to local restaurants and cafes where sometimes guests need to wait a long time for their orders too. Such behavior should not be regarded as disrespect - it's just one of the national character traits.
Throughout the year, Oranjestad hosts a lot of interesting events. Origins of some celebrations go back to holidays that were celebrated in the prehistoric era. A great example is an annual carnival. One version is that its tradition comes from ancient Greek and Roman celebrations - bacchanalias. In the past, people honored the gods of fertility through a colorful holiday, but now the ancient celebration is transformed into a bright street festival with street parties and festivities. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Guide to Oranjestad sightseeing - things to see and to visit
The construction of this town started in 1796. The first facility built was called the fort named Zoutman. The fort has survived till our days, so one can easily visit it. Around it were … Open
It is important to note that the annual carnival is held all over Aruba, but Oranjestad's holiday program is considered one of the most interesting. The carnival has been held annually since the beginning of the 20th century. It takes place several weeks before the beginning of Lent. At the beginning of the 20th century, various social clubs began to appear in the city, and it was here where the tradition of holding costumed celebrations was born. Initially, the carnival was a very solemn and exquisite event that was organized more like an elite European ball.
Oranjestad at night The holiday changes occurred with the influx of immigrants from America who worked at local industrial plants. They made the carnival more colorful and casual, with bullfighters, clowns, and caballeros as its essential attributes. Over the past decades, the holiday has gained a lot of new interesting symbols, including traditional Calypso music. This music accompanies a parade, which is considered a culmination of the celebration. Since the carnival program lasts several weeks, it's not easy to highlight any of its special parts. The most interesting is the grand parade that is usually held on the last Sunday of the event with the participation of the most incredible platforms.
Family holidays with kids in Oranjestad. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.
Oranjestad will pleasantly surprise vacationing families with a variety of unusual attractions. The Butterfly Farm would be perfect to visit with kids. This is an incredibly beautiful … Open
Another interesting tradition of Oranjestad is the Bon Bini Festival dedicated to local folklore. The festival invariably invites local dance groups to perform open-air right in the streets. Dance shows alternate with musical performances, accompanied by fairs and gastronomic programs. Festival guests will have the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and handicrafts by local artisans, as well as try popular regional foods.
Oranjestad beach A solemn and incredibly beautiful holiday is annually organized in Oranjestad for Netherlands Queen's Birthday on April 30th. This event is also full of colorful street performances and ceremonial parades, while the Torch Parade remains its main part. For Oranjestad residents, such celebrations remain an important component of culture and don't leave anyone indifferent. It is noteworthy that children are always actively involved.
Cuisine of Oranjestad for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
Local restaurants will surely appeal to those who are partial to seafood specialties. Although the resort has restaurants of various gastronomic directions, more and more travelers give … Open
As part of the large-scale carnival, which takes place in the second half of winter, a special children's parade, daily entertainment, and a huge selection of attractions are necessarily provided. Tourists won't feel alien at such holidays too - absolutely everyone can join them along with citizens. Fans of event tourism can visit Oranjestad at any time of the year, as original celebrations full of national color are held here all year round. Even if you fail to visit the city during one of these holidays, communication with locals will help you get into the national culture anyway.
Oranjestad - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

National traditions of Aruba

Arubans love sports, especially baseball, which is considered a national sport here. The weather on the island allows you to engage in sports all year round. Besides baseball, the islanders love golf and beach tennis. The popularity of such entertainment as bird watching is growing, and the island is perfect for this hobby. In the evenings, poker clubs are open on the island. The people of Aruba love and know how to tell interesting stories about their lives, the country, its people, culture, and nature. So for tourists who want to know more about this island of happy people, all they have to do is just inquire from the locals. … Open

Traditions and festivals in cities around Oranjestad

Curacao
Music and dance are vivid manifestations of national culture; they are feature a strong rhythmic foundation. In contrast to many other countries on the region, where the main musical instruments are drums and other percussion instruments, locals here are used to set ... Open »
Willemstad
Since childhood, local people learn to speak four languages, so no misunderstanding should arise. At the same time, the local dialect seems to be a combination of Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, and Spanish. Just in the same way as in the Netherlands, the natural ... Open »
Bonaire
Originally, it started to be held for harvesting. In some communes of the island, the locals held very interesting events dedicated to the beginning of the harvesting. The colorful holiday dedicated to the gifts of nature is impossible without wonderful treats, so the ... Open »
Cartagena
Anti-tobacco ideas have been increasing among citizens in recent years. So if you decide to smoke in a public place, make sure that there is no sign of a smoking ban anywhere. You should not smoke if there is a woman nearby. Women don't mind cigarettes. But sometimes ... Open »
Santo Domingo
One of the main personages of the Carnival is the Satyrus who takes part in all costume marches, parades and performances. The most spectacular event of the Carnival is a festive march. Hundreds of local people clad in bright costumes decorated with ribbons and flowers ... Open »
La Romana
One of the brightest and most beloved local holidays is Independence Day, which falls on February 26. In honor of this holiday, the largest and most colorful carnival is organized here, the festival is always accompanied by a rich entertainment program. Local people ... Open »
Secure Connection
Main Office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | Incorporated by IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered in The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel KvK, The Netherlands) No. 17237018