Almost every day, a predominantly blue flag flutters in the wind at Oranjestad’s Plaza Libertador. Unlike those on the beach that signal the weather or the ones decorating downtown shops, its red star and the yellow stripes make it unmistakably Aruba’s flag, a reminder of the island’s beauty, history and resources. This one stands near a Betico Croes commemorative statue, a prominent figure in its creation, as it approaches its 39th anniversary.
Every March 18, places like this become gathering points for locals and visitors. On that date, the flag rises proudly as the notes of Aruba Dushi Tera (“Aruba, sweet land” in English) fill the air, marking the start of the National Anthem and Flag Day. This event honors the identity of over 112,000 nationals and offers the perfect opportunity to experience Aruba’s folklore and customs firsthand. Let’s take a moment to explore the history of the colorful emblem and the meaning behind its symbols.
From paper to reality: How Aruba’s Flag came to be
The first National Anthem and Flag Day took place in 1976, thanks in large part to Betico Croes. Credits: Jamie Tudor/Unsplash
Gilberto Francois Croes, a teacher-turned-politician, believed Aruba could separate from the Netherlands Antilles and become an autonomous country. Along with other key actors, his efforts led to the 1977 referendum, where 95% of the participants voted in favor of independence. This result fueled Croes, commonly known as “Betico”, to continue his work in the public sphere and promote the flag and anthem that had been selected the previous year.
As General Advisor to the Government, Croes recommended creating national symbols for the path to independence. The authorities formed two commissions for this purpose. One focused on Aruba’s flag and included Julio Maduro, Epi Wever and Roland Donk. Their task was to find a simple, yet recognizable design that would distinguish the future country on the world stage.
In an article for Visit Aruba, Sarah Bollinger, an American who witnessed and helped develop Aruba’s flag from the inside, explains that the Commission held a contest to gather as many ideas as possible. It was so successful that they received over 700 entries. Each one was unique and charming in their own way.
To narrow down the possibilities, Maduro, Wever and Donk combined the most repeated elements. The idea was to “symbolically reflect the feelings of the majority of Arubans”. The final lineup included seven alternatives meant to showcase a “peaceful” and “economically stable” nation through colors and geometrical shapes.
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Aruba’s flag: A meaning deeper than meets the eye
According to Sarag Bollinger, the first copies of the Aruban flag were made in the United States. Credits: DF7ZS/Pixabay
On March 18, 1976, 28 years after Shon A. Eman traveled to The Hague to present a petition signed by 2,147 Arubans asking for independence, a parliamentary session established the freshly neveloped flag. Croes also designated this date to honor the new national symbols. As expected, each component of Aruba’s flag has a specific meaning:
- The colors: Blue represents the Caribbean Sea, while yellow reflects the golden tones of the coastal sands and the once brought by industries like gold, aloe vera and oil. Red symbolizes the love Arubans feel for their island and the now-defunct Pernambuco wood business. White stands for the sand and purity of its people.
- Stripes: Visit Aruba notes that these lines represent the relationship with the Netherlands, which is close and independent at the same time.
- Star: Similar to a compass, each point marks a specific coordinate. This detail is associated with the diversity of nationalities living together in Aruba.
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Celebrating heritage: Aruba’s National Anthem and Flag Day
Today, Aruba remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and depends on it for certain aspects, such as defense. Nevertheless, Croes and other local leaders raised awareness about the importance of having national symbols that highlight the island’s virtues, resources and characteristics.
National Anthem and Flag Day is, as you might expect, a public holiday due to its historical significance. The tourism board explains that shops, gas stations, supermarkets, and other businesses tend to close early or remain shut all day. However, visitors can still enjoy cultural, sporting, and gastronomic activities, as well as scout and car parades.
As referenced by the travel guide In Your Pocket, past years featured tournaments with pillow fights, pole climbing, and sack races. Plaza Libertador, where the Betico Croes statue stands, usually hosts music festivals and food stands. We’ll see what’s new this year!
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Credits: Ocean Z Boutique Hotel Aruba
Ocean Z is a boutique hotel in Noord, on Aruba’s north coast. Its 13 carefully designed suites offer a serene and intimate atmosphere. Its restaurant, praised by Forbes and travelers worldwide, delights with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors from land and sea. Click below to explore each suite:
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