Most island visitors are vacationers, sun-seekers in search of a sugar-white beach where they can sip their cool umbrella drinks against a perfect blue backdrop.
Aruba is blessed with all of that, and more, brimming with activities, restaurants, golf, spa pampering and fashion — whatever you want, you name it, and we’ve got it!
But how about mixing a bit of adventure into your cocktail of vacation-bliss? Intrepid explorers, those adventurous National Geographic types filled with wandering lust cross valleys and climb-mountains to uncover new cultures, different flavors, customs, hairdos, dance and folklore…
You just have to board a bus.
Take the trip down to San Nicolas, on the Island’s sunrise side, to discover a true and exciting gem, the genuine spirit and culture of the Caribbean, for just one evening. Thursday.
On Thursday evening, the Carubbian Festival unfolds in San Nicolas, on the main-street, mixing a street festival atmosphere with Caribbean food offerings, live Calypso and Soca music, costumed Carnival dancers and stilt walkers, packing visitors and locals into the colorful, colonial neighborhood, dotted with bars, and sprinkled with handicraft and home-made candy vendors.
The festival was launched last year as an initiative of the Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber, resulting from his wish to present island visitors with an authentic, first-hand look at Aruba’s unique Caribbean culture, arts, folklore and music.
A team of tireless and dynamic artists/entrepreneurs then conceived the festival where visitors may enjoy local cuisine, experience culture, and mingle with the home folks. The festival brings the entire neighborhood into the street, from the very young to the very old!!
Every Thursday, the town comes alive on the crossroad of past, present and future, and you are invited to be there and witness this colorful explosion of Caribbean smells and tastes, culminating in a tremendous Carnival show with a drum beating brass band, escorting you back to your bus.
The festival takes place from 6pm – 10pm, and is perfectly suitable for the entire family.
Visitors may purchase a package at their hotel, including two-way transportation, and enough tickets for two meals, for sale under the Carubbian tents. You will also receive a gorgeous authentic Carubbian Carnival mask especially designed for the festival which you may wear that evening and also take home with you as a memento from your unforgettable National Geographic moment . . .
