Today we celebrate dia di Himno y Bandera, our National Anthem and Flag Day.
The national flag day held each year on March 18 celebrates Aruba’s independence, a vibrant celebration filled with official ceremonies and exciting festivities across the island!
Originating in 1976, a decade before Aruba gained its separate status, Dia di Himno y Bandera marks the official inauguration of the national anthem (Aruba Dushi Tera) and the Aruban flag.
The flag, designed through a competition, holds symbolic significance: the light blue represents the sea and sky, while the star effectively points to the four points of a compass and symbolizes the island’s multicultural origins. The red symbolizes heritage and resilience, while white embodies Aruba’s pristine beaches and friendly inhabitants. Yellow stripes depict Aruba’s independence, along with its rich history of tourism, gold mining, aloe cultivation, and vibrant flora.
Aruba Dushi Tera
Aruba patria aprecia
nos cuna venera
Chikito y simpel bo por ta
pero si respeta.
Refrein:
O, Aruba, dushi tera
nos baranca tan stima
Nos amor p’abo t’asina grandi
cu n’tin nada pa kibr’e, cu’n tin nada pa kibr’e.
Bo playanan tan admira
cu palma tur dorna
Bo escudo y bandera ta
orguyo di nos tur!
Refrein
Grandeza di bo pueblo ta
su gran cordialidad
Cu Dios por guia y conserva
su amor pa libertad!
Refrein
Aruba Dushi Tera
Aruba appreciated native land
our venerated cradle
you may be small and simple
but yet you are respected.
Chorus:
Oh Aruba sweet land
our boulder so beloved
our love for you is so strong
𝄆 that nothing can destroy it. 𝄇
Your beaches so much admired
with palm trees all adorned
your coat of arms and flag
are a pride to us all!
Chorus
The greatness of your people
is their grand cordiality
that God will guide and conserve
their love for liberty!
Chorus
Things to do:
Immerse yourself in the patriotic spirit with a lively scout parade at Plaza Betico Croes, or catch the classic car parade as it winds its way around the island. Engage in sporting events, cultural showcases highlighting Aruban cuisine, and a variety of games for both children and adults.
Don’t miss it, download a list of events below.
Plan accordingly:
As this celebration is a recognized Aruban holiday, anticipate early closures or full-day closures of shops, gas stations, and supermarkets. Embrace the spirit of Dia di Himno y Bandera na each uno! 
#Aruba #NationalAnthemDay #FlagDay #CelebrateResponsibly