On 18th March, Aruba will celebrate its national anthem and flag day.

This public holiday is an opportunity for Arubans to display national pride. It is also a time to reflect and consider how much the country has achieved since the flag and anthem were officially inaugurated by Gilberto François ‘Betico’ Croes during a ceremony at the Wilhelmina Stadium in 1976.

The day is marked by several patriotic events including a scout parade, a classic car parade, sporting competitions, food and cultural activities, and games throughout the island for all the family.

One of the major highlights is the song festival ‘Un Canto pa Aruba su Himno y Bandera’ on Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad.

Aruba’s flag

Aruba’s flag has four colours and each of them were chosen for a specific reason according to the Aruban government website.

It explains: “Blue represents the sea that surrounds the island…Yellow represents the current industry and tourism as the most important sources of source of income, as well as the gold, and the aloe industry from the past. The colour White symbolises the beautiful snow white beaches and the purity of the Aruban people.

“The (red and white) Star represents the four points of a compass and symbolises the origin of the population coming from all corners of the world…[It] is also a tribute to the Indians whose blood was shed in the Rooi Frances (French Trench) for the freedom of Aruba.”

Aruba’s National Anthem

The Aruban National Anthem, “Aruba Dushi Tera” (Aruba Blessed Country) was a waltz written in the 1950s by Juan Chabaya Lampe and composed by Rufo Wever. Hubert (Lio) Booi added another verse in 1976.

Below is the English translation of the national anthem:

 

Aruba appreciated homeland

our venerated cradle

you may be small and simple

but yet you are respected.

 

Chorus:

Oh Aruba dear country

our rock so beloved

our love for you is so strong

that nothing can destroy it. (repeat)

 

Your beaches so much admired

with palm trees all adorned

your coat of arms and flag

is the pride of us all

Chorus

 

The greatness of our people

is their great cordiality

that God may guide and preserve

her love of freedom.

Chorus

 

We hope you enjoy national anthem and flag day!

Sources: Aruban Government / Aruba.com