Q: Things to Do in June

Dera Gai (St. John’s Day) Dera Gai is an annual Aruban cultural festival that occurs on June 24 . It has been celebrated for about 100 years with traditional song and dance. Traditionally, the Dera Gai celebration was centered around an unusual ritual involving the decapitation of a live rooster. More modern celebrations have substituted a more humane activity involving substitutes such as flags or plastic roosters. Aruba’s Annual International Regatta This sailing event features fun, action, and competitions among international yachts, catamarans, sunfish, kitesurfers, and windsurfers during the day, combined with music, beach parties, and dinners at night. Events take place at Surfside Beach. June 27-29, 2025 . Aruba International Triathlon International competitors participate in a triathlon comprised of a 1.5 km of swimming, 40 km bike race, and 10 km run. Beginning at Eagle Beach, the event takes place on a closed circuit. Typically more than 100 athletes participate in this event hosted by the Aruba Triathlon Association. June 7-8, 2025 .

Question 1

Things to Do in March

Accepted Answer

National Anthem and Flag Day

The National Anthem and Flag Day is held each year on March 18th and celebrates Aruba’s independence.

This patriotic holiday is celebrated with a scout parade, a classic car parade, sporting events, many cultural events showcasing the gastronomy of Aruba, and games throughout the island for kids and adults. Because this is an official Aruban holiday, some shops may close early or not open at all.

Aruba International Half Marathon (21K)

In Aruba International Half Marathon, competitors from around the world participate in Aruba’s longest road race covering the length of the island from San Nicolas to Oranjestad. The course ends in front of Alhambra Casino Aruba. This event takes place on March 23, 2025.

Question 2

Things to Do in July/August

Accepted Answer

American Independence Day

Every year, Aruba hosts a variety of activities to help American visitors and their friends celebrate the July 4th holiday. You will find various celebratory activiti e s, including fireworks, on the beach.

Renew Your I Do’s in Aruba

Once again, Aruba will be hosting the Caribbean’s Largest Vow Renewal Celebration. Couples from all over the world participate in this grandiose affair on Eagle Beach. This year’s event takes place on August 13, 2025.

Question 3

Things to Do in April/May

Accepted Answer

International Boulevard Race (10K)

The International Boulevard Race attracts hundreds of runners worldwide to compete in Aruba’s most popular running race. Race features hundreds of competitors from throughout the Dutch Caribbean, Venezuela, Colombia, USA, and The Netherlands. (April 27, 2025)

Aruba HI-Winds

Aruba’s highly favorable wind and water conditions and year-round pleasant weather make it a windsurfing mecca. This annual competition for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and related activities has been billed as the longest-running watersports event in the Caribbean. Amateur competitors are grouped by age and sex, with a separate Pro category.

All events are held at Fisherman’s Huts (a section of beach on the north part of the island that’s popular for boarding and surfing).

A fun event for competitors and spectators alike. In addition to a slate of exhilarating competitions that are exciting to watch, other festivities on the beach include beach-chic fashion shows, live concerts, and beach parties. May 28-June 2, 2025.

Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival

The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival had been an annual star-studded, two-night concert series over Memorial Day weekend. After 24 years in Aruba, the "official" Soul Beach Music Festival has moved to St. Maarten. Word has it that efforts have been made to generate alternative programming for the island of Aruba, but plans for 2025 have not come together. We'll keep an eye out for 2026.

Question 4

Things to Do in September

Accepted Answer

Aruba Art Fair 2025

Held annually in San Nicolas, the Aruba Art Fair is a vibrant celebration of visual expression and social impact. The 2025 edition, on September 5–7, marks the event’s 8th anniversary with the powerful theme Art for Justice. Visitors can explore four indoor galleries, view live art demonstrations from over 100 artists, and enjoy a fusion of music, dance, and culinary experiences.

This non-profit fair goes beyond traditional exhibitions to spark conversation and community engagement through installations, performances, and interactive events. With admission starting at just $15, it’s an inspiring, family-friendly experience for cruise visitors who want to see Aruba’s creative side in action.

Question 5

Things to Do in June

Accepted Answer

Dera Gai (St. John’s Day)
Dera Gai is an annual Aruban cultural festival that occurs on June 24. It has been celebrated for about 100 years with traditional song and dance. Traditionally, the Dera Gai celebration was centered around an unusual ritual involving the decapitation of a live rooster. More modern celebrations have substituted a more humane activity involving substitutes such as flags or plastic roosters.

Aruba’s Annual International Regatta
This sailing event features fun, action, and competitions among international yachts, catamarans, sunfish, kitesurfers, and windsurfers during the day, combined with music, beach parties, and dinners at night. Events take place at Surfside Beach. June 27-29, 2025.

Aruba International Triathlon
International competitors participate in a triathlon comprised of a 1.5 km of swimming, 40 km bike race, and 10 km run. Beginning at Eagle Beach, the event takes place on a closed circuit. Typically more than 100 athletes participate in this event hosted by the Aruba Triathlon Association. June 7-8, 2025.

Question 6

Things to Do in November/December

Accepted Answer

Aruba Fashion Week

This fun event has moved from the spring to the fall. Aruba Fashion Week is an annual fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle event that features collections from local and international designers. The program includes runway shows, trunk shows, and various social celebrations. Runway shows are typically held outdoors under the sun. (Dec. 11-14, 2025)

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