Culture and Customs
Aruba is a small island with unique culture and customs shaped by its location, history, and diverse ethnic groups. The official language is Dutch, but most locals speak Papiamento, a creole language influenced by Spanish, Portuguese, and African languages. Music plays an important role in the Aruban culture, with traditional genres like Tumba and Wapa capturing the rhythms of daily life celebrations like Carnival. Food is another integral part of the Aruban lifestyle with dishes like Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese), Pastechis (meat pastry), and Funchi (cornmeal porridge) offering a glimpse into the Caribbean culinary traditions. Hospitality and respect are highly valued traits among locals who welcome tourists with warmth and kindness. It’s customary to greet people you meet with a “Bon Bini” or “welcome” whether it's at home or in public places. Overall, Aruba's culture reflects the island's charm which encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate life's simpler moments.
Sports
I am absolutely thrilled to share about Aruba's traditional sports! From the exhilarating game of bolas criollas, where players throw heavy metal balls to knock out their opponents' placed balls, to the intense excitement of spearing during carnival season as participants jump over a brightly-clad opponent holding a wooden shield – Aruba has an amazing variety of traditional sports. Not to mention, arguably the most popular is santo—also known as cockfighting—which involves observing two roosters in a heated match-up until one emerges victorious. And let's not forget Drubi Drill, where participants race each other up a narrow concrete stairway typically found between houses in local neighborhoods. All of these incredible games showcase the history and cultural diversity that make Aruba such an amazing place. If you're seeking adventure mixed with tradition and culture, then look no further than Aruba's unique lineup of traditional sports!
Food and Cuisines
Aruba's food and cuisines are an eclectic mix of flavors, owing to the island's status as a popular tourist destination. The culinary scene features influences from Dutch, Caribbean, and South American cuisine. Seafood is a staple here, including dishes such as coconut shrimp, grilled mahi-mahi, and ceviche. The island is also famous for its street food scene which offers a wide range of options like pastechi (a fried dough filled with meat or cheese), bolo pretu (a spice cake made with chocolate and rum), and keshi yena (stuffed cheese). Additionally, Aruba has a variety of international restaurants that cater to all taste buds ranging from Italian to Chinese cuisine. A must-try dish is the traditional Aruban-style barbecued chicken that is cooked on wood fire grills in outdoor kitchens called "cunucu". Whatever your preference or budget may be, you are sure to find something delicious in Aruba!
