Though the Caribbean is known as a colorful and historically rich region, few travelers are aware of the remarkable cultural diversity represented in Aruba. Originally inhabited by native Arawak Indians, Aruba changed European hands throughout the colonial period. After living under Spanish rule for many years, the island came to be part of the Dutch Kingdom near the end of the colonial period. Though the island maintains its ties to The Netherlands, more than 40 different nationalities are represented amongst Aruba’s population of 88,000. This astonishing diversity can be experienced by visitors in everything from art and architecture to cuisine and entertainment. Yet, one of the best ways to embrace the unique culture of Aruba is to join the locals during holiday celebrations – such as the truly Aruban custom of St. John’s Day, the classically-influenced Carnival event known as Bacchanal and the Caribbean-inspired traditions of New Year’s Day.

One of the most unique local traditions takes place each year on June 24, known as St. John’s Day or Dera Gai. This distinctly Aruban celebration represents a combination of pre-colonial Arawak harvest festivals and Christian traditions introduced to the Caribbean by Spanish missionaries. Though the feast day of St. John is recognized in many countries with Catholic influence, Aruba is the only place in the world that greats this summer holiday with dancing and other festivities.

Throughout Aruba, locals don traditional red and yellow tops on St. John’s Day to symbolize fire. At most of the celebrations across the island, a singer will perform a “dera gai” (dead rooster) song while musicians provide accompaniment on drums, violin and a traditional Caribbean instrument known as a wiri. While the performance takes place, a member of the crowd is selected to hit a fake rooster – a tradition very similar to the Mexican piñata. The crowd eagerly awaits the destruction of the rooster, as the bird contains wonderfully fragrant fruit – usually a calabash. Strong enough to wash over a large crowd, the smell of the fruit signifies peace and thanksgiving for locals and tourists alike.

Though the traditions of St. John’s Day might seem strange to visitors, the celebration is actually very similar to the American custom of Thanksgiving. Much like Thanksgiving, St. John’s Day is enjoyed by locals with a wide array of delicacies and traditional foods. Though Arubans use this holiday to spread goodwill and offer thanks for the previous year, tourists are always welcome to participate in the celebrations. Whether you spend your time in Aruba on the beaches of Oranjestad or in the arid countryside, you will find plenty of exciting festivities on St. John’s Day.

Arubans also put some interesting local twists on the Caribbean custom of Carnival. Often referred to as Bacchanal, annual Carnival celebrations in Aruba often borrow elements of Roman and Greek myth. As the term Bacchanal references the ancient god of wine and revelry (Dionysus in Greek myth, Bacchus in Roman myth), the celebrations in Aruba are known for both artistic expression and lighthearted enjoyment. Though Aruba borrows inspiration from ancient European cultures, visitors will still find plenty of the exotic Caribbean flourishes that have made the region’s celebrations famous throughout the world. Aruba’s Bacchanal celebration takes place each year before the beginning of Lent, typically in the month of February.

New Year’s Day is yet another holiday that is infused with unique Aruban traditions. Each year, as the clocks are preparing to change, Arubans gather together in the dande – a festive celebration of singing and dancing that dates to the freeing of the slaves during colonial times. The dande celebration typically begins with groups of five or six performers that travel door-to-door spreading cheer for the coming year. After singing songs featuring the phrase “ai nobe” (New Year), the groups often gain members and travel throughout Aruba’s neighborhoods to celebrate with both locals and visiting families.

Regardless of when you visit Aruba, you are certain to encounter some of the island’s unique customs and celebrations. Considering the island’s diverse history and culture, it should come as no surprise that Aruba is able to offer tourists unique experiences not only on holidays, but every day of the year.

About the Author

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Aruba for the Marriott Resorts.

 

 

Panama is blessed with nature’s beauty. It has pristine beaches and turquoise seas, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains blessed in a hurricane and earthquake free tropical climate. It is likewise blessed in its people. They are the warmest and friendliest people in the world due the different ethnics and cultures that compound the population, with seven thriving Indian tribes co-existing peacefully with other Panamanians. Panama itself has had a long and colorful history, with unique heritage sites as reminders of that history. Panama City, one of the most sophisticated cities in the industrialized world. Throw in the Panama Canal, one of the world’s modern engineering wonders, and you have an explosion of tourism in Panama. Indeed, in Panama, you have a potent mixture of people, places, and pleasures.

Of course, the explosion of tourism in Panama is also because its infrastructure is modern and first-class, the presence of excellent tourist accommodations, ease in communicating with a bilingual people, an excellent medical care system at a reasonable price, affordable cost of living, accessibility, and an enviable peace. Tourism in Panama is taking off because of the favorable environment the country and its government has established to attract tourists.

With oceans bordering it on both sides, Panama is ideal for sun, sea, and beach lovers. With more than a thousand islands to choose from, the Pearl Islands and Boca del Toro of notable mention, you can go from public beaches to private resorts, from sunbathing to deep-sea diving. Panama’s rainforests boasts of biodiversity and even in Parque Metropolitano in the center of Panama City is an excellent place for birdwatching with 944 bird species. River sports such as rafting and kayaking also flourish in Panama, with land sports such as canyoneering, rappelling, and trekking are also present. Indeed, tourism in Panama is booming because of its growing reputation for ecotourism. Panama’s culture also lends itself well into tourism. Local culture and folklore is reflected in a colorful, cross-cultural array of festivals, dances, and traditions, with the seven indigenous Indian groups of Panama adding spice to the cultural melting pot. The heritage and historical sites of Panama such as the Casco Antiguo are important tourist destinations. The urban centers also significantly contribute to the explosion of tourism in Panama. The shopping centers, museums, restaurants, cinema and theater, the fashion scene, city architecture, and the whole gamut of sights and sounds in Panama City is a mixture of Panamanian tastes and European influence, doused with a liberal splash of American capitalism. These are enough to make you want to stay and live in Panama. Of course, tourism in Panama is complete only when the Panama Canal is visited. The Panama Canal is not only of trade value but is also of historical and engineering value, making it a tourist destination especially for cruise ships.

With all these beauty, tourism in Panama is rapidly being touted as the best exotic destination in the world. With ecotourism, adventure, culture and people, modern conveniences, and urban sophistication, one cannot help but be a tourist in Panama. Go ahead and savor the places, people, and pleasures of Panama.

About the Author

Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on Panama real estate. For more information, please visit http://www.cpanama.com.