Welcome to Oranjestad: A Journey Through Aruba’s Gem—Celebrating 200 Years!
Hello, beautiful people! Today, I’m overjoyed to take you on an enchanting journey through the magical city of Oranjestad, Aruba. This is not just any city—it’s a vibrant tapestry where history, romance, and culture blend to create an unforgettable experience. And guess what? We’re celebrating 200 years of Oranjestad’s rich heritage, and you’re cordially invited to join in the festivities!
A Walk Through History
Before we dive deeper into Oranjestad’s charm, let’s go back in time for a moment and fall in love with this enchanting place all over again. Originally named Paardenbaai, or “Horse Bay,” it was renamed Oranjestad, or “Orange City,” in 1824 to honor the Dutch ruling family, the House of Orange.
Discovering the Blue Horses
As you explore Oranjestad, you’ll come across eight striking blue horse statues that capture the eye and imagination. These sculptures, part of the "Blue Horses" or "Paardenbaai" public art project by Osaira Muyale, symbolize Aruba’s cultural heritage and maritime history. They commemorate the moment when horses jumped from ship decks into the Caribbean Ocean and swam to Aruba’s Bay, known as Paardenbaai (Horse Bay). The sculptures also symbolize Aruba's collaboration with local and international communities and its historical trade with Europe, South America, the Caribbean islands, and the Mediterranean.
Each statue, uniquely designed by local artists, showcases Aruba’s vibrant creativity. The blue hue represents the sea that surrounds the island—a vital part of Aruban life and heritage.
Oranjestad is celebrating 200 years of existence, thanks to an initiative by Stichting Rancho Aruba. This initiative aims to create a happy, inclusive environment and invites everyone to contribute to this ever-growing city! Join the celebration, and while you’re in Aruba, don’t miss the chance to visit Rancho Cafe, open from 7-11 am. Feel free to bring donations of clothes, art, or books, and strike up a conversation with volunteers to discover what makes this place uniquely magical.
Hop on the trolley and let it guide you through the city’s historic treasures. Visit the Museum of Archaeology and Fort Zoutman, also known as the Historical Museum of Aruba, which hosts the Bon Bini Festival every Tuesday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Enjoy authentic Aruban dishes and a wonderful folkloric event year-round—every step you take here is a journey back in time. Oranjestad promises a majestic experience filled with stories of yesteryears.
Honoring Our Heroes: Betico Croes Day and Flag Day
On January 25th, we celebrate Dia di Betico Croes, a holiday honoring the legacy of Betico Croes, a pivotal figure in Aruba's quest for autonomy. Known as the "Liberator of Aruba," Croes played a crucial role in gaining Aruba's status aparte, separating from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986. This day is marked by numerous cultural events, parades, and ceremonies, reflecting the pride and gratitude of the Aruban people.
March 18th is Flag Day, another significant holiday in Aruba. It commemorates the day in 1976 when Aruba adopted its own flag and national anthem. The entire island comes alive with vibrant parades, cultural performances, and local cuisine, celebrating the island’s heritage and unity.
Dera Gai
We celebrate Dera Gai in June, a traditional festival with deep cultural roots. Originally an agricultural festival, it now features colorful costumes, dancing, and music, symbolizing the community's spirit and joy.
Cultural Celebrations
Oranjestad’s magic goes beyond daily tasks—it’s the place to be! During Carnival Season, the main parades are held here, celebrating all customs in full splendor. We locals take great pride in our Carnival and invite our guests to join in the celebration. Reach out to the Carnival groups and inquire about their prices—you can join us! We are, after all, the One Happy Island. Celebration is something we do together, no matter your race, color, or gender. In Aruba, you belong!
Right after Carnival, we celebrate Easter by camping at the beach. If you happen to be here during Easter, you’ll find the beaches filled with trailers that week. Feel free to say hi to the locals—9 out of 10 times, you’ll most likely be invited for a beer, leading to a lifelong friendship! Trust me, I’ve seen it many, many times!
Then comes the Soul Beach Festival. Oh, goodness, the lineup is amazing! This year we had Mariah Carey, and the show was perfect!
LGBT
Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most LGBT-friendly islands—we firmly believe that love is love! In Oranjestad, you’ll find gay bars and clubs that welcome everyone. We are, after all, One Happy Island! Whether you’re visiting or planning a destination wedding, you’re in the right place—Aruba legalized same-sex marriage as of July 12th. On our island, we strongly believe that everyone should experience love in full splendor.
Shop Till You Drop
For the shopaholics out there, Oranjestad is nothing short of paradise. From stylish outfits and high-fashion brands gathered under the roof of the Renaissance Hotel—bringing you a touch of class and taste with the simplicity that only Aruba can offer—to unique souvenirs, every store here offers something special. Near the Cruise Terminal, don’t miss the flea market brimming with memorabilia of your Aruba vacation.
Daytime Discovering Oranjestad’s Charm
Imagine walking through streets lined with Dutch colonial buildings infused with a hint of Caribbean style. As you explore, you’ll also come across the quaint Cunucu houses, often painted in bright colors. If you want to see one up close, I invite you to have a cup of coffee at the Aruba Experience Patisserie, housed in a beautifully restored Cunucu home. Sit, marvel at the simplicity, and let each corner take you back in time. Every step you take in Oranjestad reveals its majestic charm—each building tells a story of its own. This is a city that seamlessly blends peace with the excitement of exploration.
I arrived in Aruba for the second time in early 1991, and it’s been my home ever since! We locals call Oranjestad "Playa," and it was the ultimate hangout spot for teens back in the 90s. Every Friday after school, we’d gather to shop, catch glimpses of our crushes, and create memories that lasted a lifetime. Over the years, Playa took a quiet nap, but now it has awakened, more enchanting than ever before. Follow me through this journey as we rediscover our beloved Playa.
As our slogan says, "One Happy Island" is how we approach life in general! We are courteous people with empathy for our fellow man. We believe in manners; as we enter any place, we say, "Bon dia, yen di Alegria!" which translates to "Good morning, filled with joy!" Bon Tardi “Good Afternoon” Bon Nochi “Good Evening”
In Aruba, we speak four languages: Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. You’ll never be lost in translation here! With our multicultural melting pot, you are guaranteed an unforgettable time.
As you head towards Oranjestad from the airport, you’ll see the iconic Aruba sign—make a pit stop and feel the fresh ocean breeze and warm waters inviting you to take a swim at Surfside Beach or Nikki Beach. After a delicious dip in the turquoise waters, walk along the coastline, pass by the West Deck Restaurant, and start planning a sunset dinner.
Passing by Wilhelmina Park? Take a moment to rest before heading to the Renaissance Marketplace. Pop in for a delightful breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Renaissance Marketplace offers a variety of restaurants and shops that will put you in a soothing, peaceful state of mind. Whether you opt for breakfast at The Old Dutch Pancake House, a cup of coffee at Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks, or lunch at Casa Tua, you’ll find something to energize you for the rest of your Oranjestad adventure.
Take a stroll through the iconic Fort Zoutman and immerse yourself in history—each corner whispers secrets of the past. Admire beautifully restored buildings like Cas Veneranda, which stand as testaments to Oranjestad’s rich history and vibrant future. You might even catch a glimpse of newlyweds at the city hall, posing for the legendary photo with all their loved ones by the veranda.
For a more refined dining experience, Chef’s Table offers a 5-course meal at Koal, or Royal brings class and taste to your table. Don’t miss Taste My Aruba, where local cuisine is presented with passion and pride, making your taste buds dance with joy.
