On March 18, 1948, Shon A. Eman, an Aruban politician, was the first to formally propose Aruba's separation from the Netherlands Antilles.
National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba occurs annually on March 18. Aruba is a Caribbean island located southwest of the Lesser Antilles. And if sunny beaches, a cordial welcome, and an island paradise location aren’t cause for celebration, then achieving independence is. On March 18, 1948, Cornelis Albert (Shon A.) Eman, an Aruban politician, presented the first formal proposal for Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. This patriotic holiday is celebrated with parades, sporting events, and cultural events.
On March 18, 1948, Shon A. Eman, an Aruban politician, was the first to formally propose Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. On March 18, 1976, twenty-eight years later, Gilberto “Betico” Croes, also known as “The Father of the Aruban Nation,” proclaimed the nation’s first National Anthem and Flag Day.
The national anthem and emblem are sources of great pride for Arubans. Juan Chabaya ‘Padu’ Lampe, Hubert Booi, and Rufo Wever, three of Aruba’s most renowned musicians, composed “Aruba Dushi Tera,” the nation’s national anthem. ‘Aruba Dushi Tera’ means ‘Aruba charming country’ or ‘Aruba sweet land’ in Papiamento. At the Plaza Padu in downtown Oranjestad, there is a piece of art dedicated to the composers. The Aruban flag is comprised of the colors blue, yellow, red, and white, with the blue representing the United Nations.
Typically, Arubans observe this holiday with scout parades, classic car parades, activities, sporting events, and cultural events for children and adults. In Aruba, the ‘Bolas Criollas’ sporting event is a popular favorite. It is a traditional team sport that originated in Venezuela as a consequence of Venezuelan migration to Aruba. The Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad is the venue for folkloric celebrations and musical performances by song festival winners. Along main roadways, house stands sell T-shirts, bandanas, banners, and caps with an Aruba theme. National Anthem and Flag Day is a federal holiday, so businesses close early or remain closed for the duration of the day.
Are you prepared to observe this day of independence and innovation? We will take a trip down memory lane as we commemorate those who perished during the fight for independence.
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Celebrate by purchasing or obtaining an image of the flag of Aruba. As a sign of solidarity with Aruba, wave the flag or post an image of it online.
It’s National Flag and Anthem Day! Learn and sing along with the Aruba national anthem, “Aruba Dushi Tera.”
It is possible that few people are aware of this special occasion. Spread the message by providing others with information about the day.
Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and all Arubans hold Dutch citizenship.
Aruba has the lowest crime incidence among all Caribbean nations.
The majority of native Arubans are fluent in Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamento.
Arubans are extremely patriotic and devoted to their nation.
If you visit Aruba twenty years in a succession, you are deemed a “Aruba Goodwill Ambassador.”
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 18 | Thursday |
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