Tarabana Flyers Prepares for Major Kite-Flying Event This King’s Day Weekend
The Centro di Bario Playa Pabao is organizing a major kite-flying event this weekend in connection with Dia di Rey (King’s Day), and one of the participating groups, the Tarabana Flyers, is ready to showcase their craft to the public.
Leading the group is Willem Lamper, who started flying kites at a young age and is now marking 24 years of kite-making. Lamper has been teaching his nephews the art of building kites, aiming to keep the cultural tradition alive. He describes kite-flying as a healthy sport that is also great fun, especially when people paint their own designs on them.
Keeping a Cultural Tradition Alive
Lamper is calling on parents to guide their children toward embracing this cultural tradition, emphasizing that it is both a healthy and enjoyable activity. He expressed willingness to help any child who wants to learn how to build and paint kites, drawing on his decades of experience in the craft. His hope is that the sport continues to grow across Aruba.
The Art and Craft of Kite-Making
Kite-making involves various forms, including styles known as “Caha di Morto” and “Tic Tac Toe.” Lamper dedicates significant time to his creations — last year, he built a kite measuring over two meters. The foundation of a good kite, he explains, starts with straight lines using bathroom curtain material, designed to catch more wind during strong gusts.
The artwork on the kites is handled by Greg Oehlers, who is skilled in airbrush techniques, along with Chaty Tromp. For Lamper, kite-making is a family affair that brings generations together.
Materials and Fundraising
Over the past five years, Lamper has switched to using bamboo sticks for the kite frames, having previously used silk or white wood. The group raises funds by building and selling kites with local children, reinvesting the proceeds back into materials.
Building with bamboo requires careful attention, as no bamboo stick is perfectly straight. Multiple measurements, a square, and a spirit level are needed to properly balance the kite. White wood, by contrast, is easier to work with when straight. For designs, the kite paper itself can be used to create patterns — a time-consuming process that produces beautiful results.
Community Invitation
Lamper extends an open invitation to the public to attend this weekend’s kite-flying event. He notes that Aruba has many people with great potential in the craft and encourages everyone to support the participants, who invest significant time, money, and dedication into bringing beautiful creations for the people of Aruba to enjoy.
