Dia di Himno y Bandera is the official holiday on which we celebrate the existence of our
National Anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera” and our blue, yellow, red and white National Flag. This year it is a special celebration as we are commemorating the 35th anniversary we raised our flag for the first time.
We already started warming up for “Flag Day” right after the Carnival season which ended almost overlapping this special day. With only a week of preparation we have to make this year patriotic celebration the most memorable one.
Activities Last weekend we had our famous Aruban Song festival where everyone, young and old alike can participate and sing their inspiration to Aruba as their homeland. This year over eighty participants took the challenge and performed their song from their hearts to Aruba. The festival spread over three days took place at the community center of Tanki Leendert.
Centro di Bario Brazil in San Nicolas starts the celebration on March 17th with mimic team games, giant Parcheesi and brain breakers. These start at 8:00pm and end around 1:30am with a pause at 12:00am to raise the flag and sing the National Anthem. The way it was done for the first time 35 years ago.
On
March 18th, being National Anthem and Flag Day, there is a lot to do throughout the island. Besides the official celebration, many community centers and sports clubs host events that are open to the public. These take place outdoors and are usually at no charge. The programs feature competitions and games for visitors, sports tournaments, lively folkloric dance performances and music presentations.
Early in the morning the community will be participating in the
first bird count throughout the island, with participating persons asked to sit in their gardens for 15 minutes, between 7:00 and 9:00 am when birds will be most active and fill out their counting on a colorful sheet depicting the birds’ pictures and sizes.
In Oranjestad
Ling and Sons is organizing the
Lithium RC car racing event with flea market and food fair. The supermarket will be closed on this day.
Papaya Ranch in Paradera will be sporting the Bolas Criollas tournament on 18th and 19th March starting at 10:00am to 5:00 pm. This is a traditional team sport coming from Venezuela, and very popular here during national holidays. Due to constant immigration from Venezuelans to Aruba in the early years this sport has been adopted and modified a little over the years. Its origins can be traced back to traditional European sports, such as Boccia and Pétanque.
The game's objective is fairly simple: Two teams of four participants equipped with eight heavy, solid balls throw in turns and attempt to place them as close as possible to a much smaller metal ball. The team that reaches a maximum of 20 points in several attempts wins the match. Live music presented by Oasis Band and a palate of food and goodies to enjoy.
The community center in Piedra Plat will be organizing the traditional competitions and games “Spel zonder grenzen” (a Dutch word meaning “games without boundaries”) which are a fixed part of the repertoire during National holidays and also the famous fair which are very liked by the children. The games without boundaries will feature pillow fights, climbing a waxed pole, sack races and lots more.
In Oranjestad Plaza Betico Croes will be the center for the folkloric celebration with musical presentation of the winners of the song festival. Also here will have a display of traditional food and goodies. It will be real fun to just get a car and drive around visiting these places to celebrate this special day with us. You might even be able to admire the “Baile di Cinta” (Ribbon Dance). This dance participation is for male and female dancers alike displaying their patriotic colored costumes. They will dance around a pole weaving or braiding ribbons in the colors of the national flag which are attached to the top of the pole. They dance to the music of the Caha di Orgel, to the beat of the Waltz, Danza, Tumba or Mazurka. How the dance is performed is very simple yet elaborated. The end of the ribbon is fastened at the top of the pole and the other end is held by the dancers. During the dance the dancers swing around the pole braiding the ribbons. The ribbons will cover the pole over a certain length in beautiful colors and pattern and when the ribbons are getting too short to dance with; the dancers will turn around and dance in reverse order.
The food and goodies presented on the various sites are
Keri Keri (minced shark), Pisca Tempera (pickled fish)
Cabrito stoba (Kid stew),
Sanger Yena,
Cocada (a sweet treat made of sugar and coconut) and sweet bread like drigidek,
panlefi, mancaron and so much more.
Though attendance is high everywhere, activities and happenings are never uncomfortably crowded. The patriotism is healthy and proud. Flag Day is a time of celebration and fun for all.
