Are you searching for recent news out of Aruba in English?
From now on you don’t have to search for local Aruba news anymore, because you can find it right here on Vacations By Aruba!
Once a week (on Sundays) I do a recap of the most recent news out of Aruba – for your reading pleasure.
Recent News Out of Aruba Information
Reading the local news about your favorite place in the world keeps you up to date about what’s happening on the island.
But how true are my observations about paradise?
Well I get my info from watching the news on TV.
I also read local newspapers (online and some in print). And on my way to work I listen to the radio station locals call to discuss what’s happening in Aruba.
At the end of a happy week in paradise I pick the most relevant island happenings that you can relate to and translate it into English.
So let’s start this week’s recap of recent news out of Aruba for March 12, 2017.
Royal Visit From The Netherlands
This week’s recap starts out with good news, because Princess Beatrix is visiting Aruba at the of end March.
What’s the cause for the royal visit?
The princess will be officially transferring the area known as Spaans Lagoon to Arikok (Aruba’s National Park) in an effort to safeguard nature in Aruba.
Arikok is part of a regional network of protected area, so if Spaans Lagoon falls under Arikok it will be automatically protected from that day forward…
Protecting the lagoon is important, because it’s known for beautiful mangrove trees and unique variety of birds.
She’s also going to visit bubali plas in noord (very important habitat for animals).
And princess Beatrix is also going to visit the University of Aruba to witness debates organized by students, with themes like economy vs nature and tourism vs identity.
This years royal visit is highly anticipated by the locals and especially children who hear about the princess at school, but never saw her in real life…
Princess Beatrix
Aruba’s Flag Day
If you’re on the island this week, you’re lucky – because we’re going to be celebrating Aruba’s flag day (and you can join the celebration).
Aruba’s official flag day is on March 18, 2017 – however, there are going to be some pre parties happening during this week to celebrate this important day.
On the March 15 there’s going to be a poetry night at Fort Zoutman (near Seaport Cinemas, in the downtown area).
The government is also going to officially open plaza padu (near the Aruba’s parliament) to reveal a new statue for “Padu Lampe” (known as the father of culture in Aruba, because he created Aruba’s national anthem).
The event is going to be held on March 17, 2017 on plaza padu , which is close to the Renaissance Marina Hotel. There’s going to be a great ambiance with folkloric music, dancing, local food and drinks.
Other Activities on Flag Day
It’s a tradition in Aruba that different activities will be organized all over the island.
For example, there is going to be an event in San Nicolas called “experience Aruba” at the Museum of Industry (starting from 12.00 AM until 18.00 PM).
Entrance will be 1 Aruban guilders (less than one dollar) to enter the museum and a dollar extra if you want to participate to win door prizes during the event.
There’s also going to be a super soup event at Cas Di Cultura (near Talk of the Town Hotel).
They’re going to be selling soup from different restaurants on the island (for example Barefoot, Casa Tua, Daniel’s Steakhouse, Driftwood, Aquarius and Taste of Belgium). And all proceeds are going to be used to fix the building of Cas Di Cultura.
If you’re going to be in Aruba on flag day, buy a shirt with Aruba’s flag on it (sold everywhere on the island) and join the different events, just like the locals…
Flag Day Event Schedule in San Nicolas.
Aruba’s Airport Wins Service of Excellence Award
During a press conference held last week, Barbara Brown, the chief commercial officer of Aruba Airport Authority (known as triple A), proudly announced that Aruba’s airport won a service of excellence Award.
The prize was given by the Airport Council International that represents airports all over the world.
Every airport represented by the ACI had to give travelers a questionnaire.
Travelers were asked questions like, how they found the check in process, immigration, security, facilities to buy food and drinks. And most importantly how they found the overall service at the airport…
View of Aruba’s airport
More recent news out of Aruba about the Airport…
Triple A wants to invest in new buses to transport travelers.
Why?
Because the problem is that the airport can accommodate 20 planes during this moment, but there’s not enough gates for all aircraft…
Investing in more buses to transport travelers, while the airport is being further expanded, is going to be the key into maintaining the quality of service.
Aruba’s airport is beautiful, but far from done, because different departments are currently being renovated…but it’s till worthy of an award of this magnitude.
Plastic Ban Awareness Project
The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association together with a local owned company named Welcome Media Marketing shared reusable bags at the airport last week to make travelers aware about the plastic ban in Aruba.
Welcome media has been sharing out goody bags to travelers in the arrival hall for years.
Maybe you’ve received one of these little Switzerland bags with information on where to eat, tips on things to do for fun and coupons in them once already.
AHATA is doing a good job spreading the word about “no more one time use plastic bags campaign”. Hopefully more tourist (and locals) will know not to use plastic bags!
Sharing out reusable bags at the Airport.
Flip Flop Festival Breaks Records
The 7th edition of Aruba’s Flip Flop festival has broken records already!
Because more than 2.000 early birds tickets have been sold…
Early bird tickets started out at $15.00 dollars and sold out in a couple of days. The next batch sold out at $20.00 and now you can get your tickets for this years flip flop fest at $30.00 or you’re going to have to pay more at the door.
If you love urban music you should definitely visit Aruba for flip flop!
The fest starts out with an introduction party on March 31 at club emotions with DJ duo Shermanology. And on the 1st of April the main event with Konshens, Morgan Heritage and Rick Ross. To cool off there’s going to be a pool party at Renaissance Marina on April 2, 2017.
Flip Flop Stage
New Chef At Sunset Grille
There’s a new chef in town at sunset grille located in the Hilton Hotel.
His name is Lij Heron…
He’s a new chef in Aruba, but has a lot of experience, because he previously worked at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Dubai. If you ever went to Dubai, and ate at Peacock Alley, Camelia Lounge or Lexington Grill, you might of heard of him.
Born in Jamaica, with a degree in electrical engineering, Lij Heron decided to follow a career in culinary field after discovering a passion for cooking.
During an introductory press conference he said that he accumulated a lot of experience as a chef and promised to bring the most delicious dishes at sunset grill.
Chef Lij Heron is known for his steaks and seafood.
Have you ever tried sunset grill?
If not you’ve got something to look forward to this trip!
This is Chef Lij Heron
Elite Membership At Alhambra Casino
There’s new a reason to visit Alhambra Casino on your Aruba trip, because they just announced their Elite membership program.
If you’re used to playing at the Alhambra Casino you know you already get discounts as a member, but if you reach 12.000 player points within less than a year, you have the privilege of joining the elite club and enjoy more benefits!
Alhambra casino is now offering the following to their elite members…
- Premium drinks
- Double points on selected days
- Special invitations to exclusive parties
- 20% discounts at selected divi restaurants
- You also get a gift on your birthday
- Specials on hotel stays (including complimentary rooms)
- 20% off at the divi links golf shop
- And much more…
If you like to gamble in Aruba, you should visit Alhambra Casino and take advantage of the elite membership.
View of Alhambra Casino
Renovations At The Mill Resort & Suites
Management of The Mill Resort & Suites recently announced via a press conference that the hotel is going to close soon due to renovations (and change of owner)
The new owner of The Mill is going to be courtyard by Marriott.
Courtyard by Marriott caters mostly to business travelers, but they are planning to remodel the Mill to accommodate families also.
The hotel will be partly closed from April 30, 2017 until the end of 2017.
But the official renovations are planned to start April 1, 2018.
If there’s any update by the Mill, I will mention it on future recaps of recent news out of Aruba….
View of The Mill Resort
Gas Price Reduced
Finally after a couple of months of paying about 180 cents per liter for gasoline – it drops to 178 cents per liter (not a big drop, but better than nothing).
This is the official price on all gas stations on the island since March 8, 2017.
It’s always smart to plan your gas budget ahead, before you rent your car. So keep the new gas prices in mind when planning to rent a car in Aruba.
If you’re looking for a car rental check out our cars here.
Traffic Light At Balashi Out Of Service
The traffic light on the highway from Balashi beer factory (and ex drive inn) will be out of service beginning of March, 13 2017 until further notice.
The disruption in service is caused by repairs being done on new highway – the green corridor.
The highway is also going to be partly closed next week for all vehicles…
Alternative routes will be notified after the government publicly mentions it.
Official Election Day Set in Aruba
The prime minister of Aruba has officially signed a document stating the upcoming election day.
The people of Aruba will know its new political leaders on September, 22 2017.
The current government AVP (Aruban People’s Party) also signed an agreement that every political party needs to deliver their new official lists of members on August, 4 2017.
AVP has been governing the island for 8 years already (sitting 2 terms).
Are they going to lead Aruba for four more years?
I guess we just have to wait and see what happens…
Prime Minister Signing Agreement.
Ministry of Justice Signs ESTA Agreements
The ministry of justice (Arthur Dowers) recently held a press conference where he signed a contract and announced the introduction of ESTA in Aruba.
Arthur Dowers signed an agreement with a company named Gamma research that develops the system for ESTA.
ESTA will increase safety in Aruba by screening anyone who wants to enter Aruba – if you’re visit is undesired you will be denied entry in Aruba.
A couple of weeks ago the ministry of justice announced that they are looking into the ESTA system, but now after signing an agreement it will soon become a reality.
The new system will be officially introduced in less than 8 months according to the ministry of justice.
I will keep you posted on more news about this ESTA system in future editions of recent news out of Aruba..
Ministry of Justice signing ESTA contracts
Did You Feel the Ground Move?
On March, 9 2017 something unusual happened on Aruba – an earthquake (including aftershock on the following day).
A lot of people claimed to have felt the ground move, walls shake and heard their roofs sounding strange.
I also felt the earthquake…
It was the first time I really experienced an earthquake.
To be sincere, it was quite a scary feeling I must say…
Luckily no one (or buildings) suffered damage by this earthquake.
The earthquake measured on 5.6 on the Richter scale.
Our neighboring island Curacao also felt the earthquake and suffered some damage (mostly to buildings.)
Location of the Earthquake
Rey Di Djampou
On March, 18 2017 there’s going to be a djampou (a native Aruba fish) fishing tournament held by Spaans Lagoon.
The person who catches the biggest one is going to be crowned rey di djampou “King of Djampou”.
The tournament has more than $1400.00 in prize money.
If you’re into fishing and are on the island next week you should join this fishing tournament.
The event starts on 4:00 AM in the morning and ends the following day in the afternoon.
If you’re interested, ask the front desk of your hotel how you can also join the tournament…
Fisherman holding a big djampou
Aruba 5 Day Weather Forecast
The most recent daybreak scan shows no significant features around Aruba. This week is going to be generally dry on the island with a lot of sunshine…
Aruba Weather Forecast for today March, 12 2017
More Recent News Out of Aruba
Click here to read previous newsletter articles.
Vacations By Aruba Newsletter
Did you enjoy reading this week’s recent news out of Aruba recap?
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Can’t tell you how much I enjoy your newsletter. I have extended family on the island so it is nice to be able too keep up on the latest news. Keep up the good work.
you’re welcome Nancy,
Thank you so much for signing up!
This year will mark our 27th year visiting Aruba. I enjoy the news you provide. Thank You!!
Hi Steven
You’re very much welcome!
Thanks also for signing up for the newsletter.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
Thank ypu…enjoying your news and feeling part of Aruba!
So good to hear local news n Aruba….will be there in middle of May and can’t wait to spend 10 days on this beautiful One Happy Island
Great site. Thank you. Hope we will hear ALL the news in Aruba not just the touristy info. Want to know good, bad and the ugly.
Hi George,
Thank you. Glad you like the newsletter.
I try to publish every news I can including good, bad, ugly and beautiful.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo limon
Very informative and well written. Thank you.
Hi Mariella,
You’re welcome.
thanks for signing up for the newsletter.
I just want to take a minute out and say “Thank You ” for doing this I look forward to your email every week just so that I know what’s going on in Aruba
We are returning guest fir our 23rd time this October and we can’t wait.
Again thank you
Hi Joanne,
I really appreciate your kind words.
Thank you for signing up for my newsletter.
Angelo
I was intrigued by the debate topics mentioned in the Royal Visit article. We travel to Aruba to be in Aruba – a different country from the US. While we love that Americans are welcomed and communication is easy because so many people speak English, we were surprised when places started flying the US flag and playing more American music over the years. We are concerned about the natural resources of the island and overdevelopment. There must be a balance and tourism should support the local economy not superseded the residents and traditions.
Hello,
I understadnd your concern of preserving the Aruban culture.
It is true that the downtown areas been Americanized, but there are different areas, shops, restaurants of Aruba that managed to keep the culture and ways. However, I have to say that more locals are taking notice of this change and are trying hard to bring back Aruba’s culture all over.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
Love the blog. Can I ask if anyone knows of any news blogs for the two neighbor islands?
Hi Byron,
Thanks for signing up for my newsletter, I appreciate it,.
Enjoy reading the news everyweak were going to Aruba for 19yrs until I couldn’t fly for over 4hrs any more just sold our vacation club last year you don’t know how we miss it so much been staying at the occidental but it was the Americana when we started miss all of the people we met especially all of the workers
Hello Walter,
You’re welcome.
So sad to hear you sold your time share. Did you ever return back at least once? Hope all is well with you and that you can visit your favorite island back.
Thank you again for signing up for my newsletter.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
I really enjoy your newsletter. Thank you. My husband and I will be arriving on April 24 to spend 17 days on your beautiful island. We have a timeshare at La Quinta and love it there. We will be looking forward to your future newsletters to see if anything special will be going on during our stay.
Hi Pat,
You’re welcome.
I appreciate you signing up for my newsletter.
Safe flight on your way here and enjoy your stay.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
great information thank you
You’re welcome Linda, thanks for signing up for my newsletter
I continue to enjoy your weekly newsletter, Angelo. It is fun and informative. Thank you so much for putting your time and effort into this project.
Thankyou Angelo, my husband and I really enjoy your newsletter. Very informative! We are here for 3 months from Canada. We have been coming to Aruba since 1998. Love it here.
You’re welcome Janie,
3 months is a long vacation, a lot of people are jealous of you :p have fun though, enjoy your stay…
Sunny Regards,,
Angelo Limon
Angelo, I too find your newsletter very informative. Thank you for your time and effort to help us tourists coming to our home away from home. We were in Aruba from Feb. 5th to Mar. 4th so I am glad we missed the earthquake. Wow.
You’re Welcome Diane.
I appreciate your signing up for my newsletter.
Thank you Angelo for all the time you out into keeping us all up to date. I always look forward to Sundays.
You’re welcome Barbara.
thanks for your letter and all the information, I have been on most of the tours and day trips etc..KooKoo Kunucu I remember when they had one bus, I have been with Marc from WIX Tours several tmes in the past last year went on the MADE IN ARUBA TOUR, it was fabulous loved it,have him take you around so you can let the others know what you think. Thanks so much for the great news.
Hi Mary,
Your welcome – I’m glad you find my newsletter helpful – thanks for signing up.
Great tips on the tours.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
We love your articles! Keeps us current on our beloved Aruba! If the USA weather gods cooperate we will fly in tomorrow afternoon!
Thanks for signing up Bev.
Welcome back to Aruba, and have a safe flight. enjoy your stay.
I enjoy reading your news letter every Sunday.
I appreciate your words Jean, Thanks for signing up for my newsletter.
Love these updates as aruba is y favorite island!
Love these updates as aruba is y favorite island! Try to get there every year!
It’s the very best place on earth. Wonderful people, great food, great resorts and the climate is outstanding!
So enjoy reading the newsletter and keeping up with happenings on the Island. We have been enjoying our visits there for 20 years and your newsletter keeps us connected to our favorite vacation place. Good job.
Thanks you for your kind words.
Thanks for signing up for my newsletter Laurie – I appreciate it!
Your news reports are great and I look forward to them each week…We will be back on the Island in April and then back in October….cannot wait…So happy that the plastic bags are done…I have spent so much time picking them up off of the beach, what a shame the tourists leave a mess, usually the cruise groups…they get their buckets of beer, their lunch and leave everything that is left along with their plastic bags that they have their snacks in….Please keep our Paradise that we visit each year,the way we find it… Keep up the great news….exciting….
hi Judy,
I appreciate you signing up for my newsletter.
Slowly but surely every one who visits aruba will be aware not to use plastic bags. And if they do, at least use the closest bin to trhow it away after you’re done.
Sunny Regards,
Angelo Limon
Thank you so much for this information. A timeshare owner on the island I don’t get as much info as you publish here. Wish I was there now, an anticipated snow blizzard is due here in just a couple of days !!
Hi Anna,
You’re welcome!
I heard about the blizzard, hope it goes by fast.
Thanks for signing up for my newsletter
Sunny Regards,
Angelo
1st time visitor to your island 2 weeks ago. Loved it. Couldn’t find any Iguana Soup though! We’ll be back anyway.
Hi Jan,
If you want to eat iguana soup you have to fix it the local way, by locals – I’m surprised you would try to eat it. 😛
Thanks for signing up for my newsletter.
Angelo Limon
Thanks for the great information, I will be visiting for the 23th time or 24th on April 23 – May 6th, love Aruba and my timeshare at PBV.
You’re welcome tony! thanks for signing up for the newsletter – I appreciate it!
Regards,
Angelo
Love the news coverage!
your welcome!
Thanks for signing up…Regards,
Angelo limon