Cultural Connections in Aruba

The ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, are home to some of the most culturally diverse places in the Caribbean. Home to over 100 nationalities, ethnicities, and languages, Aruba has an extremely rich culture. Known for its lively spirit, Aruba expresses its culture through music and dance. With a large performing arts scene, Aruba is filled with theaters where plays and concerts are held to show off their culture and celebrate special events. The official language of Aruba is Dutch and Papiamento, a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Indian language, with other main languages being English and Spanish. The Spanish language was first introduced when Alonzo de Ojeda claimed the island for Spain in 1499. The Dutch language was then introduced when it was taken from Spain by the Dutch in 1636. The other languages were all introduced through tourism which is a major part of the countries economy and culture.

The primary religion in Aruba is Catholicism with around 80 percent of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Other religions like Methodists, Anglicans, Evangelists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims, and Confucianists have been introduced to the island by immigration and tourism. A large part of Arubas culture is its celebrations. The biggest celebration of the year is Carnival which is held in February every year. With large parties on every corner and parades throughout the streets, Carnival is the epitome of Arubian and Caribbean culture. Carnival gives Arubians a chance to show off music, costumes, and dances based on the culture of Aruba. Aruba also has numerous parties and festivals from Caribbean and religious tradition.

The performing arts scene in Aruba is another way its culture is expressed. Through organizations like the Aruba Dance Foundation, the Arubian culture is showcased around the world through international dance festivals and dance workshops. The Aruba Dance Foundation also spreads other pieces of the Aruba culture by showing off Arubian musicians as well. Another big organization in Aruba is the Foundation Arte pro Arte. This organization funds festivals, shows, theater projects, and other cultural events. Through these organizations, Aruba's rich culture is spread throughout the world for all to learn about and enjoy. Locally, in the country itself, the performing arts are shared through the numerous theaters around Aruba. It is also shown through street musicians and artists. As a hotspot of Caribbean Culture, Aruba is the place to go to expand your worldview and have an incredible experience.

Sources:

• “Aruba.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/aruba/.
• “Caribbean Culture In The ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire And Curaçao.” Caribbean TL, 21 July 2020, caribbeantl.com/caribbean-culture-in-the-abc-islands-aruba-bonaire-and-curacao/.
• "Culture in Aruba (Aruba)." Youtube, uploaded by Caribvibetv, 15 July 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JKtN9T5gdQ.