CULTURE
Aruba's
88,000 inhabitants reflect it's history of settlement, acquisition,
and immigration. The native Aruban population has ethnic roots
in Arawak, African, and European peoples, reflected in the local
foods, architecture, celebrations, and languages, and you'll find
a healthy mix of expatriates, about 10,000, from Europe, the Caribbean,
and Latin America working in various industries on our island.
Culturally, aruba has strong ties to Holland, it's colonial occupier
and presen-day partner in the Netherlands kingdom. The official
language of the island is Dutch, seen on street signs, government
documents, and several local newspapers.
English is spoken by most Arubans, particularly those in the tourism
business. The island's lingua franca, however, is Papiamento,
a lyrical language that envolved from Spanish and Portuguese,
Dutch, some French, English, and a smattering of African languages.
To the ear papaiamneto sounds a great deal like Spanish, and it's
not surprising that Spanish-speaking visitors from Venezuela and
other Latin American countries have little problem communicating
on the island. The language is thought to have envolved in Curacao
during the 16th century, when slaves and their Spanish owners
developed common ground in which to communicate. Keeping in mind
that spelling varies within the language, and among the islands
that use it (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao).
The cultural festivities (see also events) of the island are often
linked to it's history and background, although some Aruba's music
and culture ceremonies are derived from other Caribbean islands.
The music you'll hear in hotels and at many of the festivals is
calypso, soca, or reggea, often accompanied by the haunting timbre
of steel bands. One good way to experience Aruban culture, particulary
for the kids, is to visit the weekly Bon Bini Festival that takes
place at Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad.
The
small cultural show, featuring music, dance and cotumes, as well
as sampling of the local foods, is held on Tuesday evening. In
San Nicolas, a street festival called San Nifete is held on Main
St. every Friday evening, featuring music, a talent show, and
local crafts and foods.
The religions of Aruba reflect it's faceted history and currents
worldliness. You'll find Catholic, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist,
Baptist, Evangelical, and Jehovah's Witness churches, as well
as synagogues and Baha'i Faith house of worship.
