With the intention to promote Aruba’s culture and provide more entertainment to resort guests, the Food & Beverage Department of La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club introduced a monthly traditional night, filled with culture, music, food & drink at the Pata Pata pool bar.
On June 24th, this cultural night coincided with Saint John’s celebration, Dera Gai, which is a popular and widely celebrated holiday on the island.
The pool deck became the stage for that day’s traditional folkloric song and dance performances by Claudius Philips and his band, Grupo Masiduri and the Rincon Boyz, who entertained while guests had the opportunity to shop for arts and crafts at the poolside bazaar.
The highlight of the evening was the Dera Gai dance, to the music of the popular Rincon Boyz.
Dera Gai—which translates to “burying of the rooster” in the local language—is a cultural festival which has been observed here for about 100 years with traditional song and dance. The holiday is related to the life-story of St. John the Baptist.
Guests and other visitors danced the night away to the unique tunes of Claudius Philips early in the evening, then enjoyed traditional compositions, while the stands sold local snacks, offering Cocada, Pan Suiker, Dulce de Leche and pastechi, washed down with some local beer.