Aloë has long been used as a treatment to sunburned skin, but this impressive plant has much more to offer. Introduced in Aruba between 1840 and 1850, this plant has proven to be a most valuable asset and more than 160 years later it covers two-thirds of the land. The beautiful Caribbean weather that draws tourists to Aruba is also an ideal setting for the crop. The climate and dry soil of Aruba create the perfect environment for this plant to thrive. Research has also found that the arid climate and sunny conditions enhance the healing capabilities of the plants. Aruban Aloe Vera is some of the most potent in the world. 

Nicknamed the “Island of Aloe,” Aruba is one of the largest exporters of Aloë products and the plant is even featured on Aruba’s coat of arms. As evidence of its importance to Aruba, an entire museum has been constructed in its honor. The Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory allows visitors to see the entire production process from leaf to lotion. Tour guides discuss the history and uses of the plant and at the end of the tour a variety of skin-care and other products are available for purchase. The museum and factory itself was built on the same grounds as the original factory and the plants are still grown on some 120 acres that have been cultivated since 1890.

Aloë is widely known for its medicinal and cosmetic applications. The healing properties of Aruban Aloe Vera are widespread. This multi-purpose plant has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is rich in vitamins, enzymes and minerals. It is commonly used as a cooling burn ointment, sunscreen ingredient, and is often included in deodorants, shampoos and skin creams. Known as one of the world’s most powerful natural moisturizers, it effectively accelerates natural healing processes, maximizes moisture, and can neutralize the effects of aging. When Aloe Vera was first harvested it was often used as a natural laxative. Many Aruban families lived from the farming of Aloe Vera simply for the export of the raw material.

While Aloë is still one of the primary industries in Aruba, it has been joined by oil-refining and tourism to dominate the country’s commerce. Aruba still has the widely respected reputation of the largest supplier of the best quality Aloe Vera in the world, and remains on the frontline of research in developing new ways to use the plant. For more information about the production of Aloë on Aruba, Please visit www.in-aruba.com.

Few times of year can compete with the fun and festivities that the small island nation of Aruba enjoys from New Year’s Day to Ash Wednesday every year. During the season of Carnival, this small Caribbean nation comes alive with an island wide party that spans two months. Locals young and old come out in droves and dress in fun and elaborate costumes, play jubilant music and dance the night away. A true celebration of life, Carnival is a time to rejoice and a great time to visit Aruba. The weather is as perfect as ever and the night life just can’t be beat.

Carnival was first brought to the island nation of Aruba in the 1940’s, by people immigrating there from the British West Indies. Based upon the Carnival in Trinidad, the version brought to Aruba featured drama and music and artfully crafted costumes. Music teems down the street and seems to pulse through the air, as the whole island comes out to celebrate. There are parades every evening and wonderful “jump ups” every day. As more and more cultures have come to Aruba and called it home, more and more bits of culture have found themselves infused within the Carnival celebrations on Aruba.

If you come to Aruba during the months of January and February, you can expect to hear music from around the world. Tantalizing Latin salsa music plays alongside Steel drums and calypso beets. In the background you may hear Dutch oom-pa-pa’s and Antillean “tumba” music. As Carnival swirls around you, your eyes will feast on colorful floats, luxurious and elaborate costumes and glitter, lots and lots of glitter! The party reaches a fevered pitch with the arrival of the Grand Parade and then the entire island takes the next day off as that Monday is a holiday to rest and recuperate.

Carnival is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the entire world. Celebrated by many different nations across the Caribbean, each country has their own flavor. Aruba, with its ideal weather and harmonious, multi-cultural population is the best of all worlds. Arguably one of the most enjoyable celebrations in the Caribbean, it should be on every Caribbean vacationer’s “To-Do” list. Complete with parades, competitions and costumes it is sure to delight every visitor, both young and old. Less racy than the festivities on some of the neighboring islands it is also largely suitable for families. If you are thinking of spending your winter vacation anywhere, why not look at coming to Aruba and celebrating there?

A vacation in Aruba is a versatile thing. It can be a relaxing, quiet time for you and your family to slow down, enjoy the beach and recharge your batteries. There are many low-key activities that you can spend your days doing and plenty of beaches to rest on when you don’t feel like doing any of them. Aruba is also a great vacation destination if you are looking for a celebration. There are several annual events in Aruba that are totally worth visiting the island to enjoy. Carnival, Dia de San Juan and the Bon Bini Festival are among the best loved celebrations in the Caribbean.

Carnival is the 6 week long festival that takes place between New Year’s Day and Ash Wednesday in Aruba. One of Aruba’s best loved events, it is a raucous combination of music, color and merriment that features near daily parades and nightly “jump ups” or street parties. People travel to Aruba from all over the Caribbean and all over the world to join in the great festivities. Aruba is a harmonious combination of several different cultures and its Carnival is no different. You can hear Latin Salsa music and Dutch Oom-Pa-Pa all at the same time.

The Dia de San Juan or St. John’s Day is another favorite event in Aruba. This festival is only celebrated on the island of Aruba and is marked by a day of singing and dancing. A singer will chant a familiar “bury rooster” tune or “dera gai” as it is called, while players will accompany him with drums, violins and a local instrument known as a wiri. As the song is being sung, someone will be selected to hit a fake rooster with their eyes closed, much like a piñata. A very “Aruban” celebration, there is nothing else quite like it anywhere else in the world.

The Bon Bini Festival is actually a series of year round events that happen every Tuesday, in the capital city of Oranjestad. Bon Bini means welcome, and features local artists and craftsmen displaying their wares, along with steel drum players and dancers showcasing their talents. A short two hour weekly festival, it is a great way to start your Tuesday evening. No matter which of the events in Aruba you are here for, you are bound to enjoy the lively nature of the celebrations. Make your vacation a truly memorable trip and join the party in Aruba.

Many people ask what the best time of year to visit Aruba is. Although an enthusiastic “Anytime!” is a valid answer, thanks to the perfect weather, Carnival season is an easy favorite. The history of Carnival in Aruba is an interesting one. Carnival has been celebrated in Aruba since the 1940’s.and is in the 6 weeks leading up to the Lenten season in the Catholic calendar, which is a time of fasting and penitence. It begins on New Year’s Day and ends on Ash Wednesday. Carnival is a time of great joy and celebration. Originally introduced to the island nation by British West Indian immigrants, the celebration has evolved over the decades to include many multi-cultural flavors.

The original history of Carnival started in the 1940’s and is based upon the Carnival in Trinidad. Known for its vibrant costumes, and wild festivities, the celebration is also widely known as “Bacchanal”. Bacchanal is loosely based upon the ancient Greek and Roman festivities celebrating the Gods of wine, vegetation and cheer. Arubans often mark these celebrations with great artistic expressions, similar to the way that the Greeks and Romans would write tragedies for theirs.

Carnival in Aruba has changed over the years and now has many elements from Holland, North America and even native Arubans. The celebration is marked with many grand parades and parties, known as “jump ups” and reaches its festive peak with the election of the “Queen”. It is an expressive mix of music, color, motion and merriment that is a real draw for tourists from around the globe. Vibrant colors, elaborate costumes and fireworks delight the eyes while music, laughter and merriment fill the ears. The history of Carnival in Aruba has grown over the years to make it one of the most raucous celebrations in the Caribbean today.

If you are looking for a great time of year to visit Aruba, you can’t go wrong in Carnival season. While much of the Northern Hemisphere is mired in the cold gloom of winter, Aruba is alive with warmth and color, and aglow in the happiness of celebration. As is the history of Carnival, you will be treated to near daily parades and parties, so opportunities to join in the celebration abound. Be sure to bring a camera and your dancing shoes, as you take to the streets with the locals in a true celebration of life, music and of course, wine.