The festive spirit in Aruba doesn’t end with Christmas. As the year draws to a close, it’s time for the island’s much-anticipated New Year celebrations! Expect to see beautiful fireworks, partake in traditional practices like setting off Pagara (Chinese firecrackers), and enjoy some delicious food while toasting to the good life. Whether you’re here for the holiday season or planning a future trip, here’s what you can expect from Aruba’s New Year celebrations!
PS: Be sure to check out our New Year’s event page closer to your travels for special offers and parties!
🧨 Pagara and Champagne Toasts All Day Long
If you’re new to Aruba, you might not be familiar with Pagara. This tradition involves long strings of Chinese firecrackers set off across the island on New Year’s Eve day. Pagara marks the end of the year for local businesses, celebrating their successes and warding off evil spirits.
Originally, Pagara was only for businesses, but it has since become a beloved tradition for families, friends, and coworkers to gather, light the firecrackers, and toast with champagne. This usually kicks off the New Year celebration early in the day and can last until late afternoon.
While this fun tradition is still widely practiced, there’s a growing shift towards more environmentally-friendly New Year celebrations. Due to the litter left behind and the potential harm to animals and wildlife, many resorts and businesses are opting for greener celebrations.
🎆 New Year’s Eve Festivities: Fireworks and Fun
Once the Pagara celebrations come to an end, the island begins gearing up for the main event: New Year’s Eve! As the sun sets, expect fireworks shows to light up the night sky. Fireworks can be seen across neighborhoods, but the grand finale takes place just before midnight when resort areas host large fireworks displays.
Tip: For the best views, find a high spot on the island or head to the beach to watch the breathtaking shows.
If you’re traveling with pets, be sure to keep them indoors during New Year’s Eve to protect them from the loud noises and potential stress caused by fireworks.
🍽️ Special New Year’s Eve Dinners
While New Year’s Eve parties have been canceled this year due to COVID-19 safety protocols, there are still plenty of options for enjoying a fantastic meal. Many restaurants and resorts offer special New Year’s Eve dinners. Just remember, non-resort restaurants have a 1 AM closing time.
Be sure to book your dinner reservations in advance, as it can get quite busy!
🍳 New Year’s Day: Brunch and Beach Time
After celebrating through the night, there are two types of people on New Year’s Day: those who need to rest and recharge, and those ready to keep the festivities going!
For those who want to continue the fun, head out for a New Year’s Day brunch (mimosas, anyone?), followed by a relaxing day on the beach. Whether you plan to enjoy the sun, take a dip in the sea, or simply relax with a nap, Aruba’s stunning beaches are the perfect place to unwind.
Tip: Be sure to book your brunch early, as many restaurants fill up quickly on this busy day!
🎆 A Unique New Year’s Tradition
Aruba’s New Year celebrations are truly one-of-a-kind. From the exciting Pagara firecrackers to the lively fireworks shows and festive dinners, there’s no place like Aruba to ring in the new year! Just remember to celebrate responsibly, respect the environment, and enjoy the beautiful island in the way it deserves.
Photo credits : https://www.visitaruba.com/blog/entertainment/new-year-celebrations-in-aruba/
