ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba Activo 2026 will bring residents of all ages together on Sunday, September 27, for a major day of sports, physical activity, health and community participation as IDEFRE/IBiSA celebrates 50 years of promoting movement and sports in Aruba.
The event is being organized by Aruba’s Ministry of Sports together with Instituto Biba Saludabel y Activo, or IBiSA, and several public and private partners.
Organizers describe Aruba Activo as an opportunity to bring different generations together while encouraging residents to make physical activity part of a healthier lifestyle.
The program will begin early Sunday morning and connect Oranjestad with Bushiri Beach through a traffic-free activity route.
Aruba Activo 2026 Starts at 5 a.m.
Aruba Activo 2026 will begin at 5:00 a.m. with Caya Activo.
The route will extend from the area near Banco di Caribe along Vondellaan and a substantial section of Henny Eman Boulevard toward Bushiri Beach.
The road space will be made available for participants to walk, run, cycle and take part in other forms of physical activity in a safer environment without normal vehicle traffic.
Local reporting says the activity route will cover approximately four to five kilometers and will be designed for people of different ages and fitness levels.
After the morning route, activities will continue at Bushiri Beach.
Sports and Health Activities at Bushiri
Bushiri Beach will become the main activity center for the event.
The announced program includes a variety of sports and recreational activities, including beach volleyball, beach soccer and beach tennis.
Other planned activities include Baseball5, rollerblading and a Zumba marathon.
Organizers are also preparing a Kids Corner for younger participants, along with domino and checkers competitions.
A health fair will form another part of the program, connecting physical activity with broader health and wellness awareness.
Food and beverage vendors and musical entertainment are also expected throughout the event.
Event Celebrates 50 Years of IDEFRE
One of the main reasons behind Aruba Activo 2026 is the 50th anniversary of IDEFRE/IBiSA’s work promoting sports and active lifestyles in Aruba.
Sports Minister Gerlien Croes said the anniversary provides an appropriate opportunity to celebrate by getting the community moving.
Croes emphasized that sport can bring people together, create opportunities and contribute to a healthier society.
Aruba’s Ministry of Sports officially includes IBiSA among the institutions under Croes’ portfolio.
The minister thanked IBiSA and Tourism Minister Wendrick Cicilia, along with Lotto pa Deporte, the Aruba Tourism Authority and Aruba Airport Authority, for contributing to the initiative.
Sports Tourism Also Part of Initiative
The September 27 date also coincides with World Tourism Day, giving the event an additional connection to Aruba’s tourism sector.
Organizers say Aruba Activo can help promote the island not only as a traditional vacation destination but also as a place associated with health, wellness and active tourism.
The combination of sports and tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Aruba’s event strategy.
By organizing accessible activities in public spaces, officials hope residents and visitors can participate while experiencing another side of the island.
Community Invited to Get Active
The Government and IBiSA are encouraging people of all generations to participate in Aruba Activo 2026.
Residents can choose whether to walk, run, cycle, participate in organized sports or simply visit Bushiri Beach and enjoy the day’s activities.
The overall message is to encourage Aruba to become active together for one day while recognizing five decades of work promoting sport and physical movement.
With Caya Activo connecting Oranjestad to Bushiri and a broad sports and recreation program planned at the beach, Aruba Activo 2026 aims to turn September 27 into a major community celebration of movement, wellness and active living.
