Aruba Holidays & Celebrations

New Year's Day In Aruba

New Year's celebrations in Aruba are energetic, family-oriented, and festive. The period around December 31 and January 1 is one of the liveliest times of the year, with fireworks, music, dinners, hotel events, and private celebrations across the island.

New Year's Day itself is an official public holiday. Some businesses may open later, close, or operate reduced hours, while hotels and tourism businesses generally continue serving visitors.

Dia di Betico

Dia di Betico honors Gilberto “Betico” Croes, an important Aruban political leader associated with the movement toward Aruba's Status Aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

January 25 is an official public holiday. Cultural and civic events may take place, and government offices and other institutions can close for the observance.

In 2026 the official holiday falls on Sunday, January 25. The Government of Aruba also granted its civil servants an additional day off on Monday, January 26, while Sunday remained the official public holiday.

Aruba Carnival

Carnival is one of Aruba's biggest cultural celebrations. The season features colorful costumes, music competitions, parades, dancing, decorated vehicles, parties, and community events.

Carnival Monday—the Monday before Ash Wednesday—is an official public holiday. In 2026, Carnival Monday falls on February 16.

Events are held over an extended Carnival season rather than on only one day. Parade routes, event dates, and road closures vary each year, so visitors should check the current Carnival schedule before planning.

National Anthem & Flag Day

March 18 is one of Aruba's most meaningful national holidays. Aruba's flag was officially adopted on March 18, 1976, together with the national anthem “Aruba Dushi Tera.”

The day celebrates Aruba's flag, anthem, national identity, and cultural heritage. Visitors may see flags displayed throughout neighborhoods, businesses, government buildings, and public spaces.

Cultural events can include traditional food, music, dance, family activities, performances, and community celebrations.

Easter Holidays In Aruba

Aruba officially observes Good Friday and Easter Monday. In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6.

Easter is an important religious and family period for many residents. Churches hold services, families gather, and some local businesses operate holiday schedules.

The Easter period can also be a popular time for local beach outings and family gatherings. Visitors should be respectful of religious observances and local traditions.

King's Day In Aruba

King's Day reflects Aruba's constitutional relationship within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The holiday is observed on April 27 and is an official public holiday.

Orange—the Dutch royal color—may appear in decorations, clothing, and celebrations. Events and activities can vary from year to year.

Government offices and some businesses may close, while hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism services can continue operating on modified schedules.

Labor Day & Ascension Day

Labor Day is observed on May 1 and is an official public holiday. In 2026 it falls on Friday, May 1.

Ascension Day is also an official holiday and falls on Thursday, May 14 in 2026. It is a Christian observance that occurs 40 days after Easter Sunday.

Visitors traveling during either holiday should expect some government offices, banks, and local businesses to close or operate reduced hours.

Christmas & Boxing Day In Aruba

Christmas is an important family holiday in Aruba, with decorated homes, lights, church services, family meals, hotel celebrations, and seasonal events throughout December.

Christmas Day on December 25 and Boxing Day on December 26 are both official public holidays.

The Christmas and New Year period is also one of Aruba's busiest tourism seasons. Hotels can sell out, restaurant reservations become competitive, and rental cars and tours may have limited availability.