Sitting firmly outside the hurricane belt and boasting inviting amounts of sunshine year-round, Aruba is an island getaway destination on the map that’s always a treat for travelers to enjoy! When you’re looking for a place where you can easily pair time on the sand with meaningful cultural events and flavorful stops along the way too, Aruba has something wonderful waiting just for you. While the island invites travelers to come and relish their time away from the hustle of life year-round, there’s something extra exciting about knowing you’ll be spending time here when a brand-new year is on the horizon. A visit to Aruba for New Year’s is sure to inspire and when you’re ready to start planning ahead, the following stops and holiday attractions are worth noting to make the most of the fun.
Get Ready to Experience the Pagara for Yourself
If you’re heading to Aruba over New Year’s and looking forward to spending time admiring impressive fireworks displays, you won’t be disappointed. Across the island on New Year’s Eve, the occasion is marked by glittering lights bursting in the sky much to the delight of spectators. However, more culturally specific to Aruba this time of year is the pagara. This is a long string of Chinese firecrackers with larger eruptions crafted at the end of the lineup for dramatic flair. Businesses and private residences alike set up pagaras on the days leading up to the New Year and set them off in a symbolic gesture of warding off evil spirits. It’s a way to cleanse everything for a fresh start ahead that also makes for a pretty impressive sight and sound when you come across a lighting. Many people will choose a pagara’s length depending on the success they’ve had in the previous year and what they’re hoping to achieve in the year to come. You can make plans to attend a scheduled lighting or simply stumble upon them as you explore and stay to enjoy the show. Either way, the experience is one you won’t want to miss this New Year’s when you’re traveling to Aruba.
Enjoy Holiday Music Across the Island
Yet another inspiring tradition visitors to Aruba can be a part of when they visit over New Year’s is enjoying the traditional music performed by what’s known as “Dande” groups. When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, these groups of musicians set out to sing their way across the island, offering up blessings and goodwill as they go. It’s a vibrant experience performed by groups of around five or six musicians utilizing traditional instruments like the raspa, wiri, tambu, and drums to name a few. Local families often wait up for these groups to arrive at their door and bring good luck with them as they sing. Feel free to drop a few coins into a hat if one is offered to you during a New Year’s performance during your island visit as a gesture of gratitude for the blessing.
Plunge into the New Year Ahead with Confidence
When you’re looking for a refreshing way to kick off the New Year in Aruba, the annual “Nieuwjaarsduik” is a must. This fun tradition invites locals and visitors alike to gather at Moomba Beach on the first day of January to enjoy a dance class together before jumping into the water at noon. The group plunge into the water is typically followed up with fantastic fare to enjoy in good company. It’s a fun way to start things off on a good note when you have a brand-new year ahead of you.
Take a New Year’s Cruise
With beautiful weather on your side across Aruba in January, there’s no reason not to get out on the wave and enjoy a New Year’s sailing experience. Consider booking tickets for your time onboard The Pelican through Pelican Adventures in advance so you can make the most of a 2-hour excursion on a gorgeous catamaran. This vessel hosts an onboard bar and offers guests snacks as you sail along the water in style. You can pair your journey with time snorkeling upon request and enjoy an up close view of the Antilla Shipwreck under the waves which might just end up being a fascinating highlight of your getaway.
Book Your New Year’s Adventure to Aruba in Style
When you’re excited to spend time on the island of Aruba over New Year’s, having amazing accommodations in place to enjoy upon arrival can elevate the fun of your adventure even further. At Casiola Aruba, our property options are designed to inspire and keep you close to the holiday fun you can’t wait to be a part of while providing our guests with access to world-class amenities, features, and furnishings during their stay as well. Take time to browse our many options available online today and when you find the island home away from home you love, booking your place begins with the simple touch of a button. We look forward to seeing you in Aruba soon!
