This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aruba Tourism Authority for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Do you really think it is a coincidence the Beach Boys chose Aruba as the lead island in their hit song “Kokomo?” If so, then you may not know why this Southern Caribbean paradise is so special.
Set just outside of the hurricane belt, Aruba–unlike most of its Caribbean brethren–has the unique disposition of a dry climate. You’ll be hard pressed to find a rainy day on the Dutch island, where white-sand beaches and 82 degree days are all hallmarks of this tropical paradise. The only things that may burn brighter than the lemon drop yellow sun overhead are the island’s colorful celebrations and unique events, and any of these six provide a good enough reason to close out the second half of the year with someAruba travel.
Bonbini Festival | Weekly
Held in the shadow of Aruba’s oldest building, Fort Zoutman, the Bonbini Festival, which translates to “Welcome” in Papiamento, is a great way to get connect with the flavors, history, cuisine and music of Aruba’s people. The folkloric music and dance festival happens every Tuesday in Oranjestad, the island’s capital, and cost $5 to attend.
Electric Festival | September 6-8
Like electronica? Want to be part of history? Well, here is your chance! As the host of the first electronic music conference in the Latin American and Caribbean region, Aruba will be launching the Electric Festival during this three-day event. This will be a preview of what’s to come in the summer of 2014, when Aruba will hold the first Electric Festival, which will be an annual electronic music, arts and lifestyle festival with exhibitions, workshops, conferences and, of course, parties.
Aruba Reef Care Project | September 21
Of all the events happening around Aruba throughout the year, this is the one I’d like to do the most. We came so close to doing something similar in the Maldives, but couldn’t because it was only for divers. This project in Aruba, however, looks like it also incorporates snorkel sites too, which is pretty cool. Word has that more than 800 participants will be on hand for this year’s clean-up of the island’s beaches, snorkel, and dive spots.
7th Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival | October 4-6
San Francisco implanted jazz into my soul, and now I carry it with me wherever I go–even Aruba. Oh man, how I used to love attending the great North Beach Jazz Festival every summer. And I can only imagine how much fun it would be to attend a festival in the Caribbean with its blend of international and local musicians laying down jazz, latin, soul and funk. Better yet, there is a four day warm up by some of the musicians before the music festival.
Aruba in Style | November 6-8
I’m by no means a fashionista–my beat-up Vans and faded long sleeve t-shirt will attest to that. I’ve never really had a desire to attend New York City’s Fashion Week. Personally, it is just too much spectacle and superficial indulgence for me. On the other hand, Aruba’s annual fashion event has piqued my curiosity, partly because of its tagline: “Lifestyle meets Fashion…More Bodies, Bikinis, Beauties!” This international affair features runway shows, styling sessions, insider collection-reveals and celebrity cocktail parties as well as lot of other fashion-centric events.
Saint Nicolas Day | December 5
Sinterklaas aka Saint Nicolas aka Santa Claus makes his ceremonious arrival to Aruba on this day. Children, of all ages, line Oranjestad harbor to greet him and his helpers known as “Zwarte Pieten” on the island. In the days leading up to Dec. 5, children will leave out their shoes and treats for Saint Nicolas in anticipation of his nighttime gift giving sessions on his white horse.
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Beth and I have been talking a lot lately about fleeing New England for a tropical destination, if only for a few months, and Aruba is certainly at the top of that last, especially because of it is so close to South America–just 15 miles from Venezuela. And while we may not make it this year, it is nice to know that when we do go, there will always be a sunny day and celebration awaiting us. To find out more about what’s happening on Aruba, you can visit: www.aruba.com. And if you’d like to get a closer look at the island, check out the video and photos below.
So, I’m curious, why would you like to visit Aruba?
