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 shows highlighting Aruban cuisine and a variety of games for both children and adults.
🎶 Music & Dance
Live music and folkloric dances with performance of Rincon boys and other bands at the following locations:
- Renaissance Marketplace,
- Paseo Herencia,
- Kulture Cafe,
- Ban Dalz Bar
🎭 Culture & Heritage
The National Archive of Aruba located close to the airport is a must see for historical exebitions. Various neighbourhood centers (cas di cultura) also organize local art markets, kids arts & crafts, or dance shows:
- Cas di Cultura,
- Archivo Nacional Aruba,
- Centro di Bario Noord
🏁 Sports & Activities
Want to experience some thrill during the national Anthem day? Be sure to visit Bushiri Karting Speedway for a drifting competition for adrenaline junkies.
At the Cascabel Airfield in San Nicolas there are remote controlled aircraft demonstrations.
Car enthusiasts can enjoy an impressive Car Show at Plaza Nikki Habibe.
In the afternoon (local time) Parke Curason Jaburibari there is a skate event for young and old.
🥘 Aruban Cuisine
Most of the places we mentioned will feature local food, however we want to conclude by mentioning two locations which are worth the visit:
- Rotonde di Mama Rosa: Enjoy authentic Aruban dishes.
- Trampoline Pa Trabao Traditional dishes with live music.
Don’t miss it, check out the list of events below.
Activities Himno y Bandera 2025
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 #18maart
#DiaDiHimnoYBandera #Aruba #OneHappyIsland #ArubaDushiTera
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