Aruba Public Holidays 2025
Aruba has 11 public holidays and 3 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 25 Jan | Sat | Betico Croes Day | public |
| 3 Mar | Mon | Shrove Monday | public |
| 18 Mar | Tue | National Anthem and Flag Day | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 27 Apr | Sun | Kings Day | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 24 Jun | Tue | Dera Gai | observance |
| 5 Dec | Fri | St. Nicholas' Eve | observance |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Boxing Day | public |
About Aruba's Holidays
Aruba’s holidays mix national pride, religion, and big festive parties. Important public days mark Aruba’s political place in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its own local history. People celebrate with flags, music, parades, and official ceremonies.
Carnival is the island’s largest cultural event. It lasts weeks and ends with colorful parades, music, and dancing in the streets. Religious holidays like Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas are widely observed. King’s Day and Aruba’s Flag and Anthem Day are also public celebrations.
Holiday Traditions
Aruban holidays blend Arawak, Dutch, African and Caribbean roots. People decorate homes with colorful flags, flowers and lights. Music fills streets with calypso, tumba and steel pan rhythms that invite dancing and smiling faces.
Food is central and shared with neighbors. Families cook stews, seafood, funchi and sweet pastries. Beaches and backyards become places to eat together, tell stories and teach children old recipes.
Public celebrations are festive and lively. Parades, concerts and community markets bring people of all ages together. Religious services and moments of remembrance are calm parts of the day that mix with joyful public fun.
Travel Tips
Aruba (AW) is popular during the holiday season. Many shops, restaurants, and offices may close or have shorter hours on key days. Plan essentials like medicine and cash ahead of time.
Airlines and ferries get busy. Book flights, rental cars, and transfers early. Taxis run but can be limited on major holiday evenings. Public buses keep to schedules but may be crowded.
Expect beaches, hotels, and tourist spots to be busier and louder. Prices for flights and rooms often rise. If you want quieter time, visit just before or after peak holiday dates.
Bring copies of reservations, ID, and emergency contacts. Check local opening hours online before you go. Pack sunscreen, light layers, and patience for crowds.