National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba – March 18, 2025

History of National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba

On March 18, 1948, an Aruban politician known as Shon A. Eman became the first to present a formal proposal for Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. Twenty-eight years later, on March 18, 1976, Gilberto “Betico” Croes, known as “The Father of the Aruban Nation,” declared the first National Anthem and Flag Day.

Arubans are very proud of their national anthem and flag. The national anthem, ‘Aruba Dushi Tera’ of Aruba was composed by three of the country’s well-loved artists, Juan Chabaya ‘Padu’ Lampe, Hubert Booi, and Rufo Wever. In Papiamento, ‘Aruba Dushi Tera’ means ‘Aruba lovely country’ or ‘Aruba sweet land.’ At the Plaza Padu, located in downtown Oranjestad, a work of art is dedicated to the composers. The Aruban flag has the following colors: blue, yellow, red, and white — the blue to match that used by the United Nations.

Arubans typically celebrate the day with scout parades, classic car parades, games, sporting events, and cultural events for both children and adults. A sports tournament called ‘Bolas Criollas’ is a crowd favorite in Aruba. It’s a traditional team sport that came from Venezuela as a result of the migration of Venezuelans to Aruba. Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad is the center stage for folkloric celebrations and musical presentations by winners of the song festival. Along main roads, stands at houses display Aruba-themed T-shirts, bandanas, banners, and caps. National Anthem and Flag Day is a public holiday, meaning that businesses close early or remain closed throughout the day.

Ready to observe this day of liberation and innovation? We’ll travel down memory lane as we remember those lost in the struggle for independence.