The Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration will take place at the National Archaeological Museum Aruba (MANA) with a full cultural program honoring the 50th anniversary of Aruba’s National Anthem and Flag.
MANA, together with Club Kibrahacha and several collaborators, will host a variety of cultural activities for the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event aims to celebrate Aruba’s national identity while giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s rich cultural heritage.
The Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration will feature musical and folkloric performances, special guest lectures, artist talks, creative workshops, and family-friendly games.
One of the highlights of the program will be a lecture by Kathrin Nägele, an archaeogeneticist from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. Together with MANA archaeologist Harold Kelly, she will present research on ancient DNA discovered in Aruba. The lecture will be held in the museum auditorium at 11:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the exhibition SITE-, SIDE-, Sight WALKS, created by researcher and glass artist Bernadette van der Klooster. Due to the strong public interest during the Betico Day event, Van der Klooster will host her Artist Talk every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration.
Design Academy Aruba, a new educational institution offering creative programs at the MBO Level 4, will organize a short ceramics workshop for both adults and children. The workshop will cost only Afl. 5 and will highlight the importance of ceramics in Aruba’s history. Visitors can also view various clay artifacts such as pots, stamps, and figurines displayed in the museum’s exhibition halls.
Guests will also be able to enjoy the temporary STICUSA exhibition, presented courtesy of UNOCA, which explores the development of art in Aruba between 1950 and 1987.
Artist Andreea Cavajdan-Kock will repeat her popular workshop titled “Watercolor Fantasy Trees Landscape.” Participants who joined the session during Betico Day described it as both educational and relaxing. The workshop will be available for Afl. 15 per person.
Traditional games will also be part of the Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration. Aldrick Figaroa from the Aruba Domino Association will organize domino games where older players will teach younger generations about this traditional game, which is an important part of Aruba’s intangible cultural heritage. Participation is free, but registration can be made by calling 582-8979.
Local brand ARUVA, created by Lara Kuiperi, will sell special “ISLA” T-shirts designed specifically for the Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration. Visitors will also be able to enjoy traditional Aruban food and snack boxes available for purchase.
Throughout the event, archaeologist Raymundo Dijkhoff and MANA staff will be present in the exhibition halls to answer questions and guide visitors.
Musical performances will be provided by Club Kibrahacha, whose traditional quartet and singing group will open the event with the Aruba National Anthem. Dance performances will follow, and the Kibrahacha Boyz band will also provide live entertainment.
Young singer Carly Ann Buera, who won three awards with her song “Oh Dushi Wals” at the Festival di Canto pa nos Himno y Bandera 2026 in the 11–12 age category, will perform during the celebration. Local artist Soraima will also perform her song “Mascarada.”
The Aruba Himno and Bandera celebration at MANA is part of the island’s broader festivities marking 50 years of the National Anthem and Flag and 40 years of Status Aparte.
The event is free to attend, and the public is invited to join the celebration of Aruba’s history, culture, and national pride.
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