Leaders, heroes, athletes and artists
For a small island, Aruba has produced a remarkable number of well-known people, from the father of Aruban autonomy to world champions and pop stars.
Well-known Arubans
- Gilberto "Betico" Croes (1938–1986): political leader who led the movement for Status Aparte. His birthday, 25 January, is a national holiday.
- Boy Ecury (1922–1944): resistance fighter in the Netherlands during the Second World War
- Nydia Ecury (1926–2012): poet and writer in Papiamento, sister of Boy Ecury.
- Juan Chabaya "Padu" Lampe: musician and co-composer of the national anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera".
- Bobby Farrell (1949–2010): born in San Nicolas, the dancer and singer of disco group Boney M.
- Xander Bogaerts (born 1992): Major League Baseball shortstop from San Nicolas and two-time World Series champion.
- Sarah-Quita Offringa (born 1991): windsurfer from Oranjestad with a record number of world titles.
- Evelyn Wever-Croes: Prime Minister of Aruba from 2017 to 2025.
- Fredis Refunjol: Governor of Aruba from 2004 to 2016.
Good to know
Information on this page can change over time, so check official sources for the latest details.
See also: history of Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
