National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba - Ready to celebrate National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba? We have all the details, so stand up and cheer along with us.

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba 2025 – March 18, 2025

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba takes place on March 18 every year. Aruba is an island southwest of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. And if sunny shores, a warm welcome, and an island paradise location aren’t worthy of celebration, achieving independence certainly is. On March 18, 1948, an Aruban politician known as Cornelis Albert (Shon A.) Eman became the first politician to present a formal proposal for Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. Festivities on this patriotic holiday include parades, sporting events, and cultural activities.

History of National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba

On March 18, 1948, an Aruban politician known as Shon A. Eman became the first to present a formal proposal for Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. Twenty-eight years later, on March 18, 1976, Gilberto “Betico” Croes, known as “The Father of the Aruban Nation,” declared the first National Anthem and Flag Day.Arubans are very proud of their national anthem and flag. The national anthem, ‘Aruba Dushi Tera’ of Aruba was composed by three of the country’s well-loved artists, Juan Chabaya ‘Padu’ Lampe, Hubert Booi, and Rufo Wever. In Papiamento, ‘Aruba Dushi Tera’ means ‘Aruba lovely country’ or ‘Aruba sweet land.’ At the Plaza Padu, located in downtown Oranjestad, a work of art is dedicated to the composers. The Aruban flag has the following colors: blue, yellow, red, and white — the blue to match that used by the United Nations.Arubans typically celebrate the day with scout parades, classic car parades, games, sporting events, and cultural events for both children and adults. A sports tournament called ‘Bolas Criollas’ is a crowd favorite in Aruba. It’s a traditional team sport that came from Venezuela as a result of the migration of Venezuelans to Aruba. Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad is the center stage for folkloric celebrations and musical presentations by winners of the song festival. Along main roads, stands at houses display Aruba-themed T-shirts, bandanas, banners, and caps. National Anthem and Flag Day is a public holiday, meaning that businesses close early or remain closed throughout the day.Ready to observe this day of liberation and innovation? We’ll travel down memory lane as we remember those lost in the struggle for independence.

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba timeline

1636
Aruba is Seized

The Netherlands seizes Aruba from Spain.

1954
The Charter is Signed

The Charter of the Kingdom of Netherlands is signed, providing a framework for Aruba's relations with the kingdom.

1976
The Holiday is Declared

National Anthem and Flag Day is declared by Gilberto "Betico" Croes.

1986
Aruba Joins the Kingdom

Aruba secedes from the Netherlands Antilles and becomes a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba FAQs

What is the capital of Aruba?

The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad.

Who is the president of Aruba?

Aruba has a prime minister called Evelyn Wever-Croes and a governor called Alfonso Boekhoudt.

Is Aruba still colonized by the Netherlands?

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, though it has internal autonomy.

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba Activities

  1. Wave the flag

    Celebrate by buying or downloading a picture of the Aruba flag. Wave it as a sign of solidarity with Arubans or post a picture of the flag online.

  2. Learn the anthem

    It's National Anthem and Flag Day! Learn the Aruba national anthem, called 'Aruba Dushi Tera,' and sing along.

  3. Spread the word

    Many people might not be aware of this unique holiday. Spread the word by sharing information about the day with others.

5 Fascinating Facts About Aruba

  1. Arubans are Dutch

    Aruba is a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and all Arubans are given Dutch nationality.

  2. Aruba has low crime rates

    Aruba has the lowest crime rate of all countries in the Caribbean.

  3. Arubans are polyglots

    Most native Arubans speak four languages, which are Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamento.

  4. Arubans love their country

    Arubans are proud of and have a deep love of their country.

  5. Aruba rewards tourists

    If you visit Aruba 20 years in a row, you receive the title ‘Aruba Goodwill Ambassador.’

Why We Love National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba

  1. Flags are symbolic

    A flag is a national symbol that gives a country its unique identity. Their creation usually marks a significant moment in a nation's history.

  2. National anthems are inspirational

    Singing our national anthems always evokes feelings of national pride. They inspire us to patriotism and remind us of our values.

  3. National days are important

    National days are important to remind people of history. This is doubly important for nations with colonial pasts.

National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba dates

Year Date Day
2023 March 18 Saturday
2024 March 18 Monday
2025 March 18 Tuesday
2026 March 18 Wednesday
2027 March 18 Thursday