National Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba

The National Anthem and Flag Day holiday is held each year on March 18 and celebrates Aruba's Independence. 

A strong sense of pride is displayed each year as Arubans celebrate their Flag and Anthem Day. On March 18, 1948, the Aruban politician Shon A Emam presented the first formal proposal for Aruba's separation from the Netherlands Antilles. In 1976, twenty-eight years later to the day, political leader Betico Croes declared the First Flag & Anthem Day. Arubans are especially proud of their beautiful anthem, "Aruba Dushi Tera," a waltz composed by three of Aruba's celebrated artists: Juan Chabaya "Padu" Lampe, Rufo Wever, and Hubert Booi. A special work of art can be appreciated at Plaza Padu located at downtown Oranjestad which is dedicated to the composers of the anthem. 

This patriotic holiday is celebrated with a scout parade, a classic car parade, sporting events, many cultural events showcasing gastronomy of Aruba, and games throughout the island for kids and adults. 

The flag of Aruba incorporates four colours and symbols, each carrying significance. The light blue color represents the sea surrounding the island, symbolizing its strong connection to the ocean.

Yellow signifies abundance and solidarity. The horizontal lines symbolize the economic prosperity derived from industries like gold mining and Aloe Vera production in the past, as well as the current reliance on tourism. Yellow also represents the vibrant yellow flowers of local flora such as the “Kibrahacha” (Tabebuia billbergii), “Palo di Brazil" (Haematoxylon brasiletto), “Bonchi di Strena” (Parkinsonia aculeata), “Curahout” (Peltophorum acutifolium), “Tuturutu” (Yellow Dwarf Poincianas, Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and “Wanglo” (Puncture vine Tribulus cristoides).

The horizontal yellow stripes on the flag symbolize Aruba's freedom and distinct status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, achieved on 1 January 1986.

Additionally, the colour white on the flag symbolizes peace and carries symbolic meaning. It represents the island's pristine beaches and signifies the purity of the hearts of the Aruban people, who strive for justice, order, and liberty.

The red star on the flag symbolizes the four points of the compass, symbolizing the diverse origins of the Aruban population, which attracts people from around the world. It also represents Aruba itself, surrounded by the blue sea and the historic "Palo di Brazil" industry. Red symbolizes love and pays tribute to the indigenous Arubans who lost their lives during the confrontation with the French at Frenchman’s Pass.