A Unique Cultural Mosaic
The Experience Aruba Panorama at the Crystal Theatre of the Renaissance Aruba Resort is an inspiring 22-minute film that introduces you to the island and its people, history and culture. The Bon Bini Festival takes place at Fort Zoutman every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Discover local arts and crafts; culinary delicacies such as saltfish, funchi, pastechi and goat soup; and local music played on the caha di orgel and steel drums. Young folkloric dancers carry the Aruban spirit forward, sometimes with a modern twist. Older dancers in traditional costumes are skilled at the waltz, mazurka, danza and tumba as well as performances for special occasions, such as St. John’s Day. Known as Dera Gai (the burial of the rooster), St. John’s Day is observed
on June 24. Indians cleared their fields of the last harvest with bonfires, a gesture of purification and of thanks to the gods. When Roman Catholic priests arrived, the feast of St. John the Baptist was combined with the Dera Gai pagan feast. On Aruba today, the bonfires continue and women wear the yellow color of flowers of the kibrahacha tree to symbolize a bountiful harvest and red ribbons that represent the fires. Men are blind-folded, whirled around, and then handed a stick as they try to strike the gourd, representing a buried rooster. 
For another insight into island life and culture, visit the new Oranjestad Kunsthuis, located diagonally across from Fort Zoutman. This charming art gallery and café offers patrons the opportunity not only to enjoy Aruban and international artwork but also to mingle with local artists and enjoy film screenings, live performances, and themed events. The Access Art Gallery in a restored pre-World War II family home overlooks the Main Street. With a charming terrace café, the gallery focuses on local and regional art with some international collections. Exhibitions include paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Art house films are shown every Thursday night. Four museums are located in downtown Oranjestad. The Museo Historico located next to Fort Zoutman sheds light on life in past few hundred years. The Dr. A. van den Doel Bible Museum is located right across the street in the Protestant Church. The Museo Archeologico, soon to be relocated to a historic renovated downtown area, houses a collection of Indian artifacts from island digs. The Museo Numismatico, rated among the top seven money museums in the world, houses a collection of more than 33,000 different coins and currencies dating back as far as 400 BC. Outside of town, you can learn about the industry that once sustained the island’s economy at the Aloe Museum. On the way to the Alto Vista Chapel, the Sports Museum contains memorabilia from Aruban and international athletes.
