ORANJESTAD (August 19, 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!
Carubbian Festival 2018
The popular Carubbian festival will be rescheduled soon again.
It was confirmed by the tourism minister this week.
Don’t know what Carubbian festival is?
It’s a show in the main streets of San Nicolas that represents Aruba’s culture and heritage.
The main streets of San Nicolas is transformed into a spectacular fashion with live music concerts, carnival dancing shows, food stands offering authentic Aruban food, souvenirs made by local artists and the unique experience of being around locals!
The schedule for the new Carubbian event is going to change from weekly to once a month.
There’s no official date yet for the first Carubbian festival in 2018, but it’s going to be sooner than you think.
Carnival 65!
One of the biggest cultural celebrations will take place next year in 2019 – Carnival 65!
The official organizing body of Aruba’s carnival didn’t publish an official schedule as of yet.
Plan Your Trip To Aruba during January and February to experience some parades – it’s going to be amazing!
Cleaning Up Plastic Beach (and how you can help)
Members of Aruba One Happy Lions Club held their annual clean up on “plastic beach” near the beaches of Sero Colorado.
Lions club adopted this beach several years ago with the intention to keep cleaning it up regularly.
If you want to give a helping hand to keep Aruba’s beaches clean you can participate in the next coastal beach clean up on November 3, 2018.
Give a helping hand to clean the beaches along the coastline of Surfside to Wilhelmina Park, the beaches of Arikok National Park, California sand dunes, Wariruri, Baby Beach, Bachelor’s Beach, Boca Grandi, Zeewijk Beach, Mangel Halto, Santo Largo, Arashi, Anaboei, and the open area between the former Bushiri Hotel and the Tamarijn Beach Resort.
Malmok Boardwalk
Tourism minister mentioned a new plan for the future near Malmok beach.
One of the projects is a new boardwalk starting from Ritz Carlton Hotel to Malmok.
This can be the next linear park like the one near Surfside beach.
The road towards california lighthouse will also be renovated including more light poles to increase illumination at night.
And several other projects in regards to protecting & preserving nature in Aruba, our cultural heritage, and infrastructure in the hotel area.
New Plans For Developing Tourism in San Nicolas
Minister of tourism and infrastructure recently announced new future projects that are in the pipeline for Sero Colorado located in San Nicolas.
The tennis court at Baby Beach will get renovated, new court for beach soccer and volleyball will be created.
The pier at Rogers beach will be repaired, more public bathrooms will be added and a new refreshment area (restaurant or cafe).
Soon you will have more reasons to visit Baby beach (including Carubbian Festival)
About Parking in Downtown Area
The prime minister of Aruba mentioned during a radio interview this week that the parking meters will be adapted.
In the near future they plan to remove parking meters partially. Only the parking meters that are located close to the main street (caya betico croes) will remain and all other parking meters outside of the main street will be removed.
Free parking will be allowed on the outskirts of caya betico croes, while parking controls will be effective in the main street.
Parking within the yellow spaces will not be allowed (reserved for permit holders).
Update On Airport Renovation Project
Tourism minister is proud of the progress regarding airport renovation after an on site visit this week.
The project is called “Gateway 2030” and it will expand Aruba’s airport.
According to the minister, it’s one of the biggest projects ever in Aruba.
The first part of the project is scheduled to be completed within the next 5 years. However certain facilities will be completed within 18 months (3 additional airplane gates, new luggage system and central check in hall).There’s also new restaurants, new shops, bars and restrooms.
The project also includes a new preclearance for US visitors, with an improved security control system approved by the TSA.
The project promises less hassle when traveling, shorter waiting times and faster check- ins once finished.
CITGO Continues With Refinery Project
The executive board of CITGO announced this week that they received financing to resume with the refurbishment project of the refinery.
The first phase of the project ended in May, 2018. This will be the start of the second phase of the project, which is inspection and calculations to finalize the last part of the rehabilitation in phase 3.
Phase 2 will start on September 1, 2018 and can take up to 8 – 10 months to complete.
Ride, Run, Walk For The Roses
Queen Wilhelmina Fund Foundation, a dutch Cancer society, will organize a ride, walk & run event in Aruba. The event is dedicated to everyone who lost someone to cancer.
It will take place on September 23, 2018 (Sunday) from 5:30 AM until 10:00 AM.
The start point will be in the parking lot from Alhambra Casino.
The first part of the event is a fun walk from the start point (Alhambra Parking Lot) to Divi Phoenix and back.
The second part of the event is cycling from the start point to Divi Phoenix and back. After retuning on bike, run from Alhambra Casino to California Lighthouse and back to Alhambra.
Registration starts on September 19, 2018 and is 20 Aruban Guilders ($12.00) – check for more information of the Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds Facebook page.
Denny’s in Aruba
Last week the management of Tony Roma’s announced they will be closing their doors after 25+ years of service.
Their last serving will be on August 31, 2018 at 11:00 PM.
Word around Aruba is that Denny’s (US restaurant) will open at the same location.
Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain known for breakfast (pancakes) and also has lunch and dinner.
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