Calendar of Events

For an updated list of events, and specific dates, times, and locations, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority (tel. 800/TO-ARUBA; www.aruba.com/calendar).

January

Dande. For almost 200 years, roaming troubadours have marked the end of the old year and the beginning of the new in Aruba. As the clock strikes midnight, groups of musicians go from house to house serenading each family with good wishes for the coming year. If the dande group misses your home, you'll have nothing but bad luck in the coming year. Some families set off fireworks after they've been serenaded, and the mother of the house often sweeps out the "old spirit." January 1.

Betico Croes Day. G. F. "Betico" Croes, Aruba's seminal political leader, was instrumental in the island's fight for "Status Aparte" -- semi-independence from Holland and autonomy from the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean. Low-key patriotic observances mark the holiday. January 25.

February

Carnival. Highlights of Aruba's version of pre-Lenten revelry include the Children's Parade (toddlers, dwarfed by their elaborate costumes, dance down the street) and the Grand Carnival Parades in Oranjestad and San Nicolas (calypso, marching, and drumming contests). During the Tivoli Lighting Parade, thousands of miniature lights blanket the costumes and floats. Representatives of the island's various districts vie for the title of Carnival queen, and unsuspecting tourists, whisked off their planes, help decide the winner. The parties, dancing, and music begin in January, culminating on the weekend before Ash Wednesday.

March

National Anthem and Flag Day. In celebration of Aruba's flag, anthem, and autonomy, nationalistic exhibits, folkloric presentations, and fireworks displays take place island-wide. Children sing the national anthem -- on the streets, television, and radio -- ad infinitum and off-key. March 18.

April

Queen's Birthday. To celebrate the birthday of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, kite contests, sporting events, and cultural programs are held around the island. April 30.

May

Soul Beach Music Festival. This star-studded event (www.soulbeach.net) takes place over Memorial Day weekend. Performers in the past have included Wyclef Jean, Sean Paul, Chaka Khan, and other renowned rhythm and blues performers. Held at the Havana Beach Club, this festival also includes comedy, beach parties, and plenty of nightclub action.

June

Dera Gai (St. John's Day). Centuries ago, after harvesting crops, the island's indigenous people built bonfires, and then challenged one another to jump over them. Storytelling, music, dancing, and food and drink fueled the merriment. Later a rooster was buried up to its neck and covered with a calabash gourd. Blindfolded men with sticks had three chances to "find" the rooster; the winner kept the fowl for dinner. Today a dummy rooster is used, but the music and dancing persist. Crop remnants and other disposable items are buried in a symbolic soul cleansing. June 24.

Aruba Jazz & Latin Music Festival. International and local artists perform in a weekend celebration of two of the hemisphere's great musical traditions. Call tel. 297/582-3777 for information. End of June.

Hi-Winds World Challenge. Windsurfers from 30 countries gather at Hadicurari, or Fishermen's Huts, just north of the High-Rise hotels, for one of the most popular competitions in the Caribbean. For information, call tel. 297/582-3777. End of June through early July.

July

Heineken Music Festival, Oranjestad. Bands from around the Caribbean perform in a free concert. Call tel. 297/582-3777 for information. First week of July.

Aruba Perrier Reef Care Project. Joining forces to raise awareness of the marine environment, certified divers, snorkelers, and topsiders clean up beaches and underwater sites. For details, call tel. 297/582-3777. First weekend in July.

August

Aruba Heineken Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Professional and amateur golfers team up in this 2-day, 36-hole tournament that features prizes, special events, and parties. Call tel. 297/582-3777 for details. Late August.

October

Festival de las Américas. Musical groups from far and wide perform rhythms from around the Americas. Call tel. 297/582-3777 for information. Early October.

Fourth Annual Aruba Music Festival. On Columbus Day weekend, this event features such heavyweights as Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Jackson Brown; John Mayer; and Chicago. For more information contact the ATA special events line at tel. 297/582-3777.

Deep Sea Fishing Tournament. The Aruba Nautical Club hosts yachts from the United States, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba. Call tel. 297/585-3022 for information. End of October.

November

Aruba Super Nationals, San Nicolas. This international drag-racing event takes place at International Raceway Palo Marga in San Nicolas and draws competitors from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten. Early November.

Aruba International Catamaran Regatta. Catamarans from Europe and North and South America compete. For details, call tel. 297/582-3777. Mid- to late November.

December

Sint Nicolaas Day, Oranjestad. Sint Nicolaas arrives at Paardenbaai Harbor in Oranjestad to greet Aruba's children and reward them with gifts for their good behavior during the year. December 5.