ORANJESTAD (October 21, 2018) – Once a week, on Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my weekly newsletter.
This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.
Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!
If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!
Carnival Schedule & Route Map 2019
The official organizing body of Aruba’s carnival launched the brand new schedule & route map for 2019.
This years carnival is going to be one you don’t want to miss. We’re celebrating 65 years and the island is going all out!
It all starts with a “on the way to Carnival 65” festival at Carnival Village in San Nicolas (11 November, 2018) – 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
The best local bands in the Carnival parades will be playing live music.
Aruba’s carnival is a must experience!
Here’s the dates for Carnival events in 2019:
Jan 5 – Torch Parade – Oranjestad – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Jan 12 – Prins & Pancho Elections – Harbour Arena – 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Jan 19 – Children & Youth Queen Elections – Harbour Aruba – 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Jan 24 – Carnival Queen & Mrs Carnaval Election – Harbour Arena – 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Jan 26 – Tumberito Festival – Harbour Arena – 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Jan 27 – Balloon Parade – San Nicolas – 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Feb 1 – Sunset Parade – Noord – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Feb 2 – Grand Tumba Contest – Harbour Arena – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Feb 3 – Kids & Youth Calypso & Road March Contest – Carnival Village – 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Feb 4-5-6-7 – Pre-Final Caiso & Soca Monarch – Carnival Village – 7:00 PM
Feb 9- Grand Final Caiso & Soca Monarch – Carnival Village – 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Feb 17- Grand Children Parade – Oranjestad – 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Feb 23- Jouvert Morning – San Nicolas – 3:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Feb 23- Aruba Grand Lighting Parade – Oranjestad – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Feb 24 – Grand Children Parade – San Nicolas – 1:00 Pm – 6:00 PM
Feb 28 – Lighting Parade – San Nicolas – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
March 1 – Hebe Hebe – Parking Lot Post Office in Oranjestad – 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
March 2 – Grand Parade – San Nicolas – 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
March 3 – Aruba’s 65th Grand Carnival Parade – Oranjestad – 10:00 – 7:00 PM
March 3 – Burning King Momo – Harbour Arena – 8:00 PM
If you always wanted to visit Aruba during Carnival at least once in your life, it should be Carnival 65!
5 Travel Hacks For Aruba Discount Flights
Live Jazz Music In Aruba
One of the best jazz collective from The Netherlands (The Downtown Dixie Society) is playing live in Aruba at Cafe the Plaza.
The event will take place on October 25, 2018 – 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM. And entrance is free!
There choice of repertoire makes them different than traditional jazz bands. They play swinging jazz music that’s easy to listen to and appealing to many people.
Cafe the Plaza is located at Renaissance Marketplace (Downtown Area).
If you’re on the island, don’t miss this festive and entertaining band!
It’s going to be a fun night of swinging jazz music with a local Aruban vibe.
Try Unique Sushi Rolls & Asian Dishes for One Night Only
The culinary team at Marriott Resort will unveil the most exquisite Asian small dishes in a secrecy event for one night only.
Imagine a wild concoction of edible flowers, avocados, tuna tostada, olives and crispy anchovies – oh my yummy!
The secrecy event is not only about sushi, but about tasting the wonderful Asian flavors influencing cuisines in Aruba and the rest of the world. From sensational fusions like nikkei peruvian-Japanese, french-Japanese, American- Asian to traditional Chinese Fusion Cuisine.
Asian-inspired craft cocktails will also be available.
This secret sushi event is every last Friday of the month at “The Lobby” located in the Marriott Resort (October 26, 2018 from 7.00 PM).
Only 70 seats available and reservations are required (call 520-6652 / 520-6670 / 520-6343)
Workshop: Learn To Make Driftwood Art
This month, Cosecha is offering a creative workshop for decorating driftwood.
One of Aruba’s local artist, Maja Lepsanovic, will guide you to create beautiful art pieces resembling Aruba’s national symbol “Shoco”on driftwood.
Artwork by Maya.
She is inspired by Aruba’s colors and natural elements and creates driftwood artwork that is displayed all over our island.
The workshop will take place at the Cosecha Creative Center in San Nicolas from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
It’s going to be on October 27, 2018.
Entrance is 50 Aruban Guilders (tax included) – (10 years or older) to register email cosechaworkshop@gmail.com
Get ready to unleash your creativity and mingle with local artisans. At the end of the workshop you’ll have your very own beautiful new owl art piece.
Enjoy A Cultural Evening at Fort Zoutman
Enjoy a cultural evening at fort zoutman with a traditional & typical music from Aruba.
The evening is going to be all about native instruments from the island: caha di orgel.
Caha di orgel is an organ that plays a musical “tringilingi” sound when the pedal is cranked around.
There’s going to be 10 caha di orgels at the festival. One of them is the oldest orgel in Aruba made in 1905 and 1915.
Caha di orgel are usually played during national holidays like Aruban flag day.
Here’s a YouTube video of a Caha di Orgel, listen to the Aruba typical music.
There’s also going to be a local Christmas carol band called “Mama Rosa” and they’re going to play traditional Aruban holiday songs since the Christmas season is approaching.
Authentic Aruban food and drinks will be served.
The festival will take place at Fort Zoutman on November 3, 2018 from 6.00 PM – 11.00 PM.
Fort Zoutman is one of the oldest buildings on the island and also a museum (located right in the downtown area).
Entrance is $1.00
You can also visit the museum, it will be open and is included in the price.
Hans Nooter Memorial Golf Tournament
There’s a golf tournament on November 24, 2018: the Hans Nooter Memorial Trophy!
It’s going to be on the Tierra del Sol Golf course overlooking the beautiful northern coast of the island.
The tournament will be a two person scramble (between 50-60 teams).
There will be prizes for the first, second and third place team. And also prizes for the teams that reach closest to the pin at holes: 3, 7, 13, 15 and 17.
After the golf tournament there’s going to be drinks and snacks at Cafe The Plaza.
Register for the golf tournament at atteetime@tierradelsolaruba.com
Not Allowed To Drive on Sand Dunes or Beaches in Aruba
Off roading on the beach in Aruba might sound like the ultimate adventure, but for the environment and organisms that live here, it’s a bad idea.
The department of nature and environment recently took notice of several tire tracks on the beach and announced a reminder that it’s not allowed to drive on the beach or sand dunes in Aruba.
Driving on the beach brings several negative impacts on our ecosystem.
It disturbs the nesting of turtles that happens in this period (March to November) (destroying turtle nest or keeping turtles away). When you drive on the beaches (and sand dunes) you destroy the vegetation which will endanger all the species living here.
I know, ATV’s and UTV’s were created for off roading right? Yes. but there’s so many dirt roads and trails on the country side of the island that’s safe to drive on.
It’s against the law to drive on the beach, save yourself the hefty fine when caught by local authorities breaking the rules.
Beautifying Palm Beach Area
Public works department announced that the road between Brickell Bay Beach and Hostaria da Vittorio on Palm beach will be closed as of October 22, 2018 for maintenance.
The appearance of this strip will be enhanced with new trees, parking spaces, walkways and additional light poles will be added for more illumination.
Construction works will take up to 4 months to complete.
The road in this area will be deviated with road signs.
Take note of this inconvenience when driving around Palm beach.
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