Taking your Aruba vacation during Christmas or New Year’s? Though there are no brisk temperatures and snowy days, the spirit of Christmas and the Holiday Season is just as strong. Beautifully decorated trees grace hotel lobbies; Christmas decorations adorn the streets; homes all over the island proudly display their Christmas lights. The distinctive aroma of freshly cut evergreen trees imported from Canada fills the air.
Also, every year, a twinkling, magical Christmas wonderland is recreated at Seroe Preto near San Nicolas. This is a special ode to the holiday season that is enjoyed by the entire family with a recreated manger, Christmas carols, spirits and snacks. For weeks preceding the holidays, the harmonious voices of Gaita groups of fill the air with special melodies and lyrics, spreading good cheer and welcoming the season. Dande is a traditional celebration performed by a group of well-wishers who go door-to-door to sing of peace, happiness, goodwill and prosperity for the New Year. The chorus repeats the ai nobe (New Year) refrain in a lively melody played by guitar, accordion and local percussion instruments.
As the New Year approaches, there is a non-stop concerto of fireworks that has to be experienced to be believed. To bring good luck and get rid of any lingering bad karma, many local businesses each purchase a pagara, a long snake of fireworks that can cover many city blocks. Once lit, it creates a deafening chorus of “bangs”, filling the air with smoke and leaving behind a red paper trail. Fireworks (clapchi) are sold all throughout the island. The skies are filled with thousands of fireworks, ranging from small sparklers and firecrackers to magnificent colorful displays accompanied by music, rivaling those of July 4th in the US. All eyes are riveted to the skies. At the stroke of midnight on December 31, this reaches an unbelievable, no-holds-barred crescendo as the roar reverberates through the smoke-laden air and the skies are ablaze with color.
From now through the end of the year, many island restaurants and resorts feature special holiday menus; many include the traditional turkey and ham and all the trimmings. Most hotels will have New Year’s Eve parties and shows. Christmas masses are held at churches throughout the island. Check with your hotel concierge for more information.