What you should know before coming
This tropical paradise is waiting for you, no matter what time of year we’re at. Here are a couple of fun facts you must know before traveling to this sublime destination. You’ll be coming here with the knowledge of a local!
What you must know
First, you must know the not-so-fun facts. Aruba is a Caribbean island located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. Also, it is situated about 29 kilometers (18 miles) off the coast of Venezuela.
This island is relatively small. It covers an area of approximately 180 square kilometers (70 square miles). The official languages of Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. Papiamento is a Creole language that is unique to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and is a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African languages.
Aruba enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures all year round. Also, the average temperature ranges from 28°C (82°F) to 32°C (90°F), and it experiences very little rainfall.
More Basics
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin (AWG). However, the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the island, making it convenient for visitors from the United States.
The island’s flag features a blue background with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes near the bottom and a red four-pointed star in the upper left corner.
The blue represents the sea, sky, and loyalty, while the yellow symbolizes the island’s abundance of gold, tourism, and the sun. Moreover, the red star represents love for the country and the people.
Aruba’s natural beauty
Divi Divi Trees: Aruba is known for its iconic Divi Divi trees, which are bent and twisted due to the constant trade winds that blow across the island. Furthermore, these trees have become a symbol of Aruba and are a popular subject for photographs.
Natural Bridge: Aruba was once home to a natural limestone bridge known as the Natural Bridge. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005, but a smaller formation called the Baby Natural Bridge still remains and is a popular tourist attraction.
Flamingos: Aruba is home to a population of wild flamingos. These vibrant pink birds can be found in the southern part of the island, particularly on the Renaissance Island Flamingo Beach. Besides, visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of these graceful creatures.
Natural Pool: Aruba is famous for its Natural Pool, also known as “Conchi” or “Cura di Tortuga.” This natural rock formation, located in Arikok National Park, creates a tranquil pool where visitors can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
Arikok National Park: Arikok National Park is a vast nature reserve covering approximately 18% of the island’s land area. Undoubtedly, it showcases Aruba’s rugged desert-like landscape, unique flora and fauna, ancient caves, and historical sites.
Bon Bini Festival: Another of Aruba’s fun facts is that it has a weekly festival, The Bon Bini Festival. It’s a cultural event held in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital. It takes place every Tuesday and offers a lively celebration of Arubaulture through music, dance, traditional food, and craft demonstrations.
Aruba commits to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation. It has implemented initiatives such as wind farms, desalination plants, and a ban on single-use plastic bags to protect its natural resources and reduce its ecological footprint.
The island offers fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkeling. It is home to vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and several shipwrecks, including the famous Antilla wreck, which is one of the largest in the Caribbean.
One Happy Island
Many people call Aruba “One Happy Island.” This slogan reflects the island’s reputation for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its commitment to providing a positive experience for visitors.
The island’s happiness is also due to its diverse population. Aruba represents a mix of cultures. The influences of Dutch, Spanish, African, and Indigenous peoples are evident in the island’s language, music, dance, and cuisine.
Astronomical Gastronomy
Continuing with Aruba’s fun facts, we can’t exclude its typical delicious dishes. Aruba offers a variety of culinary delights influenced by its multicultural heritage.
Here are a few local dishes to try:
Keri Keri: This traditional Aruban dish features stewed or braised goat meat cooked with onions, garlic, and local spices. Arubans love to serve it with funchi (a cornmeal-based side dish) and pan bati (a thick cornbread).
Sopi Mondongo: a hearty soup that has chunks of beef tripe, vegetables, and spices. People serve it with rice and a slice of pan bati.
Ayaca: Ayaca is a festive dish Arubans enjoy during holidays and special occasions. It’s a mixture of seasoned meat with olives, raisins, capers, and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. It’s a flavorful and savory treat.
Pan Bati: Pan Bati is a traditional Aruban cornbread. Ingredients are cornmeal, flour, sugar, and yeast, which result in a dense and slightly sweet bread. Pan Bati often acts as a side dish with soups, stews, or main courses.
Pastechi: Pastechi is a popular snack in Aruba. These deep-fried pastries typically have savory ingredients on the inside such as cheese, meat (beef or chicken), or fish (tuna or shrimp). They are commonly enjoyed as a quick bite or on-the-go snack.
Johnny Cakes: Johnny Cakes are a type of fried bread made from flour, sugar, and butter. They are often served as a breakfast item or as a side dish with soups, stews, or main courses. Johnny Cakes can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings, such as cheese or ham.
As you can see, Aruba’s fun facts make it a unique destination in the Caribbean. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure in the outdoors, or a taste of vibrant local culture, Aruba has something to offer every visitor.
The last fun fact we have today is that one of Aruba’s well-kept gems is Ocean Z. Stay with us as you discover Aruba’s corners and create your very own traveling fun facts.
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