courtesy of: The Morning News
“Dia di Betico” is January 25th! Everyone is encouraged to spend this day or part of it anyway, in Oranjestad. The Museums, Galleries and other institutions will be open as of 10 o’ clock in the morning until 2 o’ clock in the afternoon. It is a day that we can enjoy the history, culture and expressions of art which is in such abundance on Aruba.
The two Museums in Oranjestad and the Rancho Foundation have united together to attract the public to town in order to see the history and culture of Aruba from close-up. This year many more Galleries and institutions have banded together to offer the opportunity for everyone to discover and appreciate the art, history and the heritage of our island.
The Rancho Foundation has planned a soft opening for their exposition located in the Weststraat. Their exposition will be dedicated to the memory of the deceased Mr. Sint Jago. A miniature boat will be on display at the back patio especially in memory of Sint Jago.
Santa Rosa and Aruba will prepare a beautiful garden decorated by Santa Rosa especially for Betico Day. The Rancho Foundation will offer ‘dushi’ local treats for the sweet tooth along with cold drinks.
The National Archeological Museum will again have an “Open House” of their entire complex. In 2008 they had such an Open House which was fantastic and they have received many requests for a repeat. This time, however, they will open the entire complex to the public; they will allow access to exposition halls, all offices, the storage area of archeological material, and the laboratory. This will give everyone a complete view of exactly how the building is being used.
The Aruba Historical Museum will present a fantastic atmosphere in the flare of a mini Bon Bini Festival with music, folklore show, stands selling souvenirs and local delicacies. What’s more, everyone will have an opportunity to climb the historic Fort Zoutman Tower to get a picturesque view of Oranjestad. The kitchen and bar will also have food and drinks on sale for those interested in purchasing great local food.
Ateliers ’89 will present a new exposition on Betico Day of works of art recently completed here on Aruba. This will be replete with works from Rem van den Bosch and Nicole Bianchet. In the video room they will show the ultimate moda show: MODA. In the large hall they will put on display the multi disciplinary exposition of: Me Myself and I. All of this will be graced by the sweet tunes of Angel Wernet’s Caha di Orgel (tingilingi box- music box), Betto Faro’s coconut water stand, Melissa Richardson’s artworks and a whole lot more. Ateliers ’89 will be another place to visit on Betico Day!
UNOCA in the Stadionweg is also expected to open their exposition halls for this day of celebration. They will display their collections and those of STICUSA. Everyone is welcome to come in and purchase books. They will host other activities, such as reading, storytelling, children’s games and much more.
The art Studio and Art Gallery, STUDIO O, next door to UNOCA of contemporary artist Osaira Muyale, will also swing open her doors on Betico Day to offer everyone the opportunity to visit her studio, café and inspirational gallery.
Betico Day is definitely the day that everyone will want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit these extremely interesting and educational venues. Let’s all get out there and enjoy the festivities together with family and friends and be inspired!
