Carnival

Aruba has a lot of different events all year trough. The best known probably is the carnival. The Grand Carnival Parade is always the sunday before ash wednesday and 6 weeks before easter. In 2007 it will be the 53rd Grand Carnival Parade. The carnival celebration is not just one parade. For about 5 weeks different parades and contests will be held. Several weeks before the grand Parade the carnival festivities are starting and there will be parades almost every weekend. Aruba's carnival is a collection of joyous festivities that include parades of dancers in colorful costumes and steel and brass bands. Contests are held for best costumes, musicians and singers, as well as for the election of the carnival queen.

National Anthem and Flag day

On March 18th Aruba celebrates the anniversary of its flag and anthem with local shows and folkloric presentations at Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. This official holiday also features many sporting events and games throughout the island for kids and adults.

Garage Centraal Extravaganza Drag Race

International competitors compete in a drag racing event organized by the Aruba Drag Race Foundation on April 27-28.

Queen's day

Aruba holds a protocol ceremony on April 30st in honor of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands followed by much enjoyable activities around the island. People engage in kite contests, sporting events and lots of other fun activities organized at various community centers.

International Boulevard Race

On April 30th Aruba's most popular running race draws over 200 competitors from countries including Aruba, Venezuela, Columbia, Netherlands Antilles, the US and Holland. The 10K event starts at 5:30 p.m. on L.G. Smith Boulevard and ends at the Aruba Ports Authority parking lot.

Aruba Beachtennis National Tournament

Every year, for a few years now, the Beachtennis tournament is helt at various beaches on the island. The tournament is meant to be a fun experience for everyone in the first place and a opportunity to win nice prices in the second. It is held this year on Moomba Beach starting at June 2nd and the finals will be on June 4th.

Dera Gai (St. John's Day)

Every year on the 24th of June Dera Gai festivities take place. On this day the people take revenge on the cock from the bible that crowed three times and with that he was the herald of a sad event. A fake cock is placed on the ground and a blindfolded dancer will try to hit it with a stick. Everybody that participates in these events wears yellow clothes or a piece of yellow clothing. In the evening everybody will come together to congratulate the people called Jan or Johannes. The "birthday boys" will carry a dried cactus branch with which they will make a fire later in the evening. Dancers will jump over the fire while people are singing and making music.

20th Aruba Hi-Winds

Aruba's trade winds provide the perfect conditions for an exciting windsurf and kite boarding competition. From June 27 until July 3 one of the most popular amateur competitions in the Caribbean happens here in Aruba. Windsurfers from various countries, depending on skill level and age, can compete in different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, free style and kite. The competitions are held off the beaches at Fisherman's Hut at Hadicurari.

18th Heineken Green Synergy Festival

On July 6-7 this annual concert series featuring musical stars from the Caribbean and Latin American region is held. Last year, popular meringue singer Eddy Herrera headlined the event. For more information send an e-mail to garcias@setarnet.aw

14th Annual Aruba Reef Care Project

also on July 6-7 a clean-up of the island's most popular beaches, dive and snorkel sites helps raise awareness for a clean marine environment. With over 800 participants, including local residents and visitors from around the world, it is the islands largest volunteer environmental initiative. Contact c.perez@aruba.com for more information.

Ultimatebet.com Aruba Poker Classic

From September 25 - October 2 a no limit Texas Hold'em poker tournament that brings together players from all over the world to compete for millions of dollars is held at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino. Prior celebrity participants have included Ben Affleck and Jennifer Tilly.

6th Aruba Music Festival

This is a concert series featuring established, international music stars. Headliners of past festivals included such musical greats as Pat Benatar, The Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chicago and many others. The festival will take place on October 5-6.

Aruba Beach Tennis International Championships

Starting November 3th the international tournament in this new sport of beach tennis will be held on Eagle Beach. The finals will be on November 5th.

Haring happen

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Open house Dutch marine base

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