Minister Geoffrey Wever had the honor of officially lighting what was described as a historic Pagara on New Year’s Eve in the heart of Oranjestad. Using a traditional fuse, the minister ignited the long strip of firecrackers during the daytime Ban Bek Caya celebration.
The event brought together local merchants along Caya G.F. Betico Croes, Columbusstraat, Wilhelminastraat, and Plaza Daniel Leo, creating a unified and festive atmosphere in the city center.
Around 2:00 pm, Minister Wever lit the Pagara on Wilhelminastraat in the presence of Prime Minister Mike Eman and fellow cabinet members Gerlien Croes, Wendrick Cicilia, and Mervin Wyatt-Ras, along with several members of Parliament.
The powerful sound and smoke of the Pagara symbolically “cleansed” the area, following local tradition meant to chase away negative energy and welcome the new year with positivity and renewal.
Numerous tourists were also present in the city center, stopping to admire the spectacle and experience Aruba’s unique New Year tradition firsthand.
The historic Pagara formed part of the broader Ban Bek Caya initiative, highlighting cultural heritage, community participation, and the revitalization of Oranjestad during the New Year celebrations.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/ministro-geoffrey-wever-a-cende-e-pagara-historico-den-centro-di-playa
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