Culture of Aruba
[1] Since 1636, during the Eighty Years' War (1621–1648), the Dutch played a crucial role in shaping Aruba's identity, driven by their exploratory and mercantile spirit, contributing to the island's modern character.
[6] Presently, Aruba imports tropical fruits from United States of America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and the Netherlands.
Over the course of history, these islands changed ownership multiple times and were inhabited by diverse races, each contributing to the development of the culture, language, music, and food.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the indigenous people cooked their food by boiling, steaming, roasting (barbacoa, now known as barbecue), or dry-frying on a clay plate (the comal).
[9] The indigenous people made flat cakes from cassava or corn, while the Africans introduced funchi [nl] or funge, similar to Italian polenta.
[9] After the abolition of slavery, Asian immigrants arrived on other Caribbean islands, bringing with them leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and curds.
[10] In the seventeenth century, Sephardic Jews, who had previously migrated from Spain and Portugal and later settled in Brazil, were granted permission by the Netherlands to establish themselves on the islands.
The arrival of these Sephardic Jews, some of whom were affluent, greatly enriched Curaçao's cuisine with the finest Spanish and Portuguese culinary influences, giving it a distinct and more refined character compared to other Caribbean islands and South American regions.
[10] One noteworthy aspect was their mastery of combining sweet and sour ingredients, including capers, dried plums, olives, and raisins, in a single dish, which created a unique flavor that required an acquired taste to appreciate.
[11] During Second World War, a significant number of Indonesians, mainly Royal Netherlands Navy sailors, stayed in Curaçao.
[12] From the Americans stationed here during the Second World War, the local population learned to enjoy Coca-Cola and developed a taste for various bottled soft drinks.
[6] As previously mentioned, many elements commonly associated with the Antilles can also be found in Venezuela and other Caribbean islands, albeit with some variations.
[13] The ayaca is a dough of white corn flour, also known as masa harina, sugar, salt, aniseeds, finely grated cheese, butter and milk spread thinly is placed on a banana leaf.
A stuffing consisting of stewed chicken and pork, capers, raisins, plums, olives, piccalilli, ham, peeled almonds, celery, parsley, gherkins and chili pepper is placed on top.
At the end of the baking time, the keshi yená is turned out onto a plate, after having cooled down a bit, cut like a cake and served.
In addition to fresh and salted meat, this dish contains vegetables, plantain, tubers, corn on the cob; and both sweet and regular potatoes.
[16] Dera Gai is a traditional celebration in Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, particularly associated with Dia di San Juan (St. John the Baptist Day) on June 24.
[17] A persistent belief advises against fishing or swimming on St. John's Day due to strong northeast trade winds.
In Aruba, the celebration takes the form of Dera Gai, an Aruban harvest festival and cultural event featuring traditional song and dance.
[18] In the traditional Dera Gai ritual, a hole is dug, and a rooster is placed inside with only its head protruding often covered with a green or dried Calabash gourd.
Following Carnival, there's Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period during which people abstain from eating meat or animal products.
The name Dande, derived from the Papiamento word dandara, meaning "to revel, to carouse, or to have a good time", reflects the festive spirit of the occasion.
[26] The origins of beliefs and superstitions in Aruba can be traced back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous peoples inhabited the island.
[33][34] Tumba holds a place in the ABC islands similar to what merengue does in the Dominican Republic, calypso in Trinidad, and son in Cuba.
Originally a two-part dance set to a 2/4 time signature (now often in 6/8), Tumba, at the dawn of the 20th century, served as a vehicle for songs of satire and ridicule.
The finals are broadcast throughout the entire island group, with live radio connections to the Netherlands, allowing the vast Antillean community to cheer for their favorite performers.
[36][32] Notable bands like Claudius Philips' [pap] Oreo, BMW, and Basic One play a crucial role in preserving the Afro-Caribbean musical tradition introduced by Caribbean migrants in the first half of the twentieth century.
The heightened interest in South American rhythms like Vallenato, spurred by increased migration in the 1990s, has further diversified the local musical scene.
As Aruban music extends its global reach, it embraces diverse styles, from classical and funk to Latin jazz, rock, reggae, and hip-hop.
The Main Street of San Nicolas features vibrant art murals created by both local talents and renowned international artists.
