ARUBA Cities & regions Aruba was formerly a part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986 it became a separate self-governing part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Part of The “ABC Islands”—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao the eastern part of the island is where the capital is located, the colourful and buzzing town of Oranjestad dating back to 1798. There is an abudance of scenic beauty to experience from the calm sandy stretches of the west coast to the towering boca bays to the north. Climb the windswept steps to reach the peak of Hooiberg hill, Aruba’s iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes. The second-largest city is San Nicolas, which is located in the southern part of the island. Thi is the port city and has some of the best restaurants in the country as well as a thriving art scene. Culture Aruba has a culture that makes it stand out from the rest of the Caribbean. A mixture of American, African, and European influences has led to a distinctive hybridized culture. The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch. However, most Arubans speak at least four languages. English and Spanish are usually the other two languages spoken by the natives. Papiamento is a language derived from French, Portuguese, English, Spanish, African, and Dutch dialects. The culture is naturally influenced by its Dutch heritage, which can be seen in the island’s landscapes and architecture. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diversity, depending on when you visit the island, various festivals are held each year and often in honour of Aruban history mixed with modern influences. Music, dancing, traditional foods, and plenty of entertainment rituals exist all over the island. Food The diverse cuisine offers visitors a wide variety of food choices. You can sample Latin-American, Creole, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. Two of the more popular dishes are stewed chicken and black beans and these are a staple in many households and local eateries. The majority of restaurants offer Caribbean dishes in addition to typical American fare. Shopping Shopping ranges from the usual souvenirs to luxury goods aimed at an american audience. The locally made items offer the most interest and value including pottery, driftwood signs and seaglass jewellery. Be sure to pick up a bottle of the Hot Delight Papaya sauce, a fiery mix of the Madam Jeanette pepper and locally grown green papayas. Aruba is also the only island in the Caribbean where hand-rolled cigars, called “puros,” are made. The cigars are made from tobacco leaves planted in the fertile sandy soil are supposedly one of the finest in the world. When to go December to March is considered the peak tourist season, both among holidaymakers and those who stay on-island. During these months, expect it to be busier due to american cruise line visitors. Aruba boasts a tropical climate throughout the year and daytime temperatures average around 88 degrees, but increase during the summer months of June, July and August. Heat waves with higher temperatures can crop up, even well into October. The humidity is high, but tropical trade winds make the temperatures tolerable The dry season in Aruba extends from January to August, making it one of the most popular times to visit. Amazing Destinations 48
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