ORANJESTAD, Aruba (AAN) – On June 24, 2026, the Government of Aruba, through the Ministry of General Affairs, Nature, Environment and Culture, together with the National Days Celebration Commission (CCDN) and UNOCA, will celebrate San Juan Day and Dera Gay Aruba with a special cultural initiative that brings the festivities directly into local communities.
Under the theme “Let’s Celebrate Dera Gay in the Neighborhood,” the event aims to promote and strengthen Aruba’s cultural heritage by bringing the traditional San Juan celebration closer to residents and encouraging participation from both young and old.
From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a cultural trailer accompanied by representatives of the Government of Aruba, CCDN, UNOCA, musicians, singers, and dancers will visit Bushiri Complex, Centro di Bario y Deporte Dakota, and Mabon Kavel before concluding with a grand finale at Carnival Village in San Nicolas.
Dera Gay Aruba is an important symbol of Aruba’s national identity and a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Organizers believe culture should be shared with the community and hope the initiative will strengthen cultural pride, encourage community participation, and preserve Aruba’s traditions.
Visitors will enjoy an interactive cultural program featuring music, dance, traditional performances, and San Juan activities. Grupo Masiduri will present traditional San Juan dances, while Grupo Cariño will provide musical entertainment.
Several competitions will also be held, including candle-blowing contests, rooster crowing competitions, hen-crowing competitions, longest rooster crow contests, flag-search competitions, and Dera Gay competitions. Participants will have the opportunity to win various prizes.
The celebration will conclude with a grand cultural gathering at Carnival Village in San Nicolas, bringing together residents from across the island for an evening of tradition, music, joy, and cultural pride.
The Government of Aruba, CCDN, and UNOCA invite all residents, especially those in Bushiri, Dakota, Mabon, and communities along the route, to actively participate in Dera Gay Aruba 2026 and help celebrate Aruba’s rich cultural heritage.
