Welcome to Aruba!

 

Welcome to Aruba!

Aruba was initially inhabited by the Amerindian population, in 1499 the Spanish claimed Aruba due to the lack of resources. Aruba was declared a Islas Inutiles alongside Bonaire and Curacao, eventually the island was used for cattle breeding and wood cutting. After the eighty-year war between Spain and Holland the Dutch took possession of Aruba. The enslaved population never exceeded 21%, however, with the abolition of slavery in 1863 a peasant culture came about, bringing the Mestizo-Creole population. During the 1920s the oil industry was starting to grow which modernized the island and brought about a higher standard of living. With oil companies in the east and the west, thousands of jobs arose. When gas was in high demand during World War II, the job field expanded and provided jobs to many Arubans. To boost their economy Aruba began building their tourism, after the oil refinery closed, the tourism hit an all time high. Between oil refining and tourism Aruba's economy sky rocketed. In 1986 Aruba gained autonomy with plans to gain full independence in the 90's. Unfortunately in 1994 the full independence was declined indefinitely, Aruba still remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is a country that thrives through it's culture, starting with it's strong Catholic beliefs. As of recent migrations religions such as Methodists, Anglicans, Evangelists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims, and Confucianists. Tourism is another great part of Aruba's culture and economy. Tourist attractions in Aruba can range from performing arts to street festivals, both of which will enrich you in Aruba's beautiful culture. Aruba's main form of celebration is through carnivals, starting in 1955 a variety of clubs and districts came to the island. In 1966 the Stitching Arubaanse Carnaval was established, around November each year Aruban Carnival festivities begin. To signal the end of an Aruban carnival they commence the burning of King Momo, a life-size effigy.