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The Aruba Tourism Authority announces the 2005 Calendar of Events
January 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY Fireworks illuminate the skies as Aruba joyfully welcomes the year 2005. This official holiday is accompanied by lots of festivities all over the island. Colorful lights adorn the main street, while groups of musicians known as “Dande” stroll from house to house to sing good luck-greetings for the New Year, creating a unique ambience that is only felt in Aruba. ARUBA 51st CARNIVAL CELEBRATION Aruba’s Carnival is a collection of joyous festivities that include parades with dancers in colorful costumes, various contest and jump-ups (street parties). The pounding rhythm of the brass bands, amazing and creative costumes, colorful parades, magnificent dancers, and a great variety of contests is what turns the island into one big celebration. Thousands of people participate while others stand along the parade route anxiously waiting to dance and jump to the mesmerizing carnival music. The Carnival season culminates with the burning of “King Momo” (a straw doll) symbolizing the end of the season on February 9, 2005, bringing closure to an event not to be missed.
January 7 ARUBA’S TORCH PARADE
The carnival season takes off with
Tivoli’s torch parade starting at 8:00
January 14 30th Children CARNIVAL Queen Election Energetic little girls, between the ages of 6 to 9, present adorable shows in their multi-colored dresses and creative costumes while vying to become the 2005 Children Carnival Queen. Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark in Oranjestad at 7.00 pm January 21 ARUBA CARNIVAL YOUTH QUEEN ELECTIONAruba’s youth is also duly represented during the Carnival by their own youth queen, whom is elected amongst the already chosen youth queens from the different districts, schools and /or social clubs. Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark in Oranjestad at 8.00 pm January 22 GRAND CALYPSO & ROADMARCH CONTEST This is the most famous & biggest music festival held during carnival season as it features almost all local bands and the island’s best Calypso & Roadmarch singers competing for the 2005 Carnival King or Queen Crowns in Calypso or Roadmarch. The winning songs are played throughout the entire Carnival season. Venue & time: Joe Laveist Sport Park in San Nicolas at 8.00 pm January 23 CHILDREN ‘S CARNIVAL PARADE IN SAN NICOLAS Groups of children, proudly representing their schools and/or social clubs, dressed in multi colored costumes dance through the streets of San Nicolas. Almost each group feature several theme floats. The parade starts at 2:00 pm in downtown San Nicolas. January 24 MRS. CARNAVAL ELECTION This is a hilarious election featuring mature women wearing creative and colorful carnival costumes. The winners are judged on their costume and talent show. Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark at 8:00 pm January 25 BETICO CROES DAY On January 25th, we commemorate the birthday of the late Aruban political leader, Gilberto Francois (Betico) Croes. Who helped attain “Status Aparte” for Aruba. With its new status, Aruba was given autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles, and was allowed to function as a commonwealth within the Dutch Kingdom. This official holiday also features many sporting events and games throughout the island. January 28 51st CARNIVAL QUEEN ELECTION Young women, between 17 and 25 years, representing almost all districts, schools and social clubs compete for the most popular carnival title, the Aruba Carnival Queen. A panel of international judges, supported by the audience, chooses the queen based on their presentation and talent. Venue & time: Don Elias Mansur Ballpark at 8:00 pm. January 29 CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL PARADE IN NOORD The district
of Noord also celebrates Carnival with its own children carnival parade
featuring the schools and social clubs of that area. January 29 ARUBA’S TIVOLI LIGHTING PARADE One of the most favorite Carnival parades is the Lighting Parade, organized by Aruba’s oldest social club, the Aruba Tivoli Club. This parade brightens the streets of Oranjestad with its beautifully theme floats and road pieces covered with multi colored lights. The participants’ costumes are also artistically decorated with hundreds of tiny lights. This parade starts at 8:00 pm January 30 CHILDREN’S GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE IN ORANJESTAD All prior districts parades join in one big parade to present Aruba’s 29th Grand Children Carnival parade. Hundreds of children enjoy the opportunity to show off their dancing skills and are dressed up in their favorite carnival costumes as they dance through the streets of Oranjestad. This parade starts at 1:00 pm February 04 JOUVERT MORNING People from all over the island gather in the streets of San Nicolas to celebrate what is popularly called the “Pijama Party”. This is Carnival's biggest "jump-up” and the parade starts at 4:00 a.m. featuring local musical bands on trailers making its way through the streets of San Nicolas. This parade ends at sunrise. February 05 GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE IN SAN NICOLAS This is a prelude to the Grand Carnival Parade. Local musicians create an exceptional ambience in San Nicolas by playing their latest carnival hits, while the participants are dressed in their multi-colored costumes. Beautifully decorated themed floats accompanied by their floor members dance & parade through the streets of San Nicolas till sunset. This parade starts at 1:00 pm in San Nicolas. February 06 ARUBA’S GRAND 51ST CARNIVAL PARADE The annual carnival festivities culminate with the Grand Aruba Carnival Parade, on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This parade is filled with music and luxurious floats and costumes decorated with a wide variety of colorful stones and feathers creating a unique ambience in the streets of Oranjestad. Aruba’s main event starts at 10:00 am in Oranjestad and continues into the evening in the streets of the city. February 07 CARNIVAL MONDAY Official holiday. February 07 OLD MASK PARADE AND BURNING OF KING MOMITO The people in San Nicolas celebrate the last carnival event with a jump up through the streets. After this celebration, they will burn King Momito to mark the end of the carnival season. This event starts at 8:00 pm. February 08 OLD MASK PARADE & BURNING OF KING MOMO Carnival 51 comes to an official end on the eve of Ash Wednesday with the burning of “King Momo”. This is preceded by a parade throughout the streets of Oranjestad. The parade starts at 8:00 pm Contact “Stichting Arubaanse Carnival “ SAC at Tel. (297) 582-4214/ Fax. (297) 588-2964 or visit the website www.arubascarnaval.com for additional information. February 25-26 SPEED THUNDER FIRE DRAG RACE (NEW) For the first time ever in Aruba, side by side TOP FUEL Match Race, featuring Fowley & Lewis, Bob van Sciver & Dick Rosburg top fuels, pro-stock and Jets Cars. This event begins at 7:00 pm at International Raceway Park Palo Marga. Contact Ven Eman at Tel. (297) 582-9085 / Fax. (297) 582-9075 or E-mail: kooltemp@setarnet.aw for additional information. March 18 NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLAG DAY Aruba celebrates this year the 28th anniversary of its flag and anthem day with nationalistic shows and folkloric presentations at Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. This official holiday also features many sporting events and games throughout the island for kids and adults. March 18-19 BANCO DI CARIBE NATIONAL DRAG RACE This is a national point series drag race event that takes place at International Raceway Park Palo Marga in San Nicolas. This event features local competitors. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297)584-0322/ Fax.(297)-587-3884. E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information
March 20 20th ARUBA INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON (21 KM) It’s the longest road race on the island and starts at 6:30 am in San Nicolas and finishes at the Alhambra Casino parking lot near the Hospital. Registration starts on February 1st 2005 Contact IDEFRE Tel.(297)-582-4987 or Fax: (297)-583-6478 E-mail: idefre@setarnet.aw or idefre@hotmail.com for additional information or registration. March 25 GOOD FRIDAY Official holiday March 27-28 EASTER SUNDAY AND EASTER MONDAY Official holidays April 1-2 THRIFTY CAR RENTAL SUPER SERIES DRAG RACE This is a national point series event that takes place at International Raceway Park Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297)-594-322/ Fax. (297) 587-3884. E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. April 24-30 15TH EAGLE INTERNATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT 2005 This event is
held at Eagle Bowling Palace, Pos Abao. 2 players ladies team and 4 players
men team. Tournament host hotels are La Cabana and The Mill Resort.
Reservations must be made by March 15, 2005. April 30 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY April 2005 marks the beginning of the Silver Jubilee celebration of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. In addition to the usual protocol ceremonies events and activities, this year’s festivities will also include cultural events, lectures, symposiums, theater and dance performance and much more. April 30 45th RBTT INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD RACE (10K) Biggest 10 K race on the island with approximately 200 participants from various countries such as USA, Venezuela, Colombia, Curacao, Holland and Aruba. Race starts at 5:30 pm on the L.G. Smith Blvd and ends at the Aruba Ports Authority parking lot. Entry forms will be issued in February. Contact IDEFRE at Tel. (297) 582-4987 or Fax. (297) 583-6478 or E-mail: arubatriathlon@hotmail.com for additional Information. April 30 QUEENS BIRTHDAY & LABOR DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT Amateur golfers team up to participate in this tournament. Contact Tierra Del Sol at Tel. (297) 586-7800 / Fax. (297) 586-4970 e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or visit the website www.tierradelsol.com April 29-May 1 GARAGE CENTRAAL EXTRAVAGANZA DRAG RACE The Aruba Drag Race Foundation (ADRF) organizes this spectacular international drag racing event. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322. Fax. (297)587-3884. E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. May 1 LABOR DAY Official holiday May 25-30 ARUBA SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2005 (Pending) This is a star-studded, Memorial Day holiday weekend event, which in the past included performances by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, Sean Paul, Chaka Khan, Wyclef Jean, India Arie, the Gap Band and many more renowned rhythm & blues musicians as well as comedy nights. Venue: TBA. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel. (297) 582-3777 Fax. (297) 583-7403 or go to the website www.aruba.com for additional information. May 5 ASCENSION Official holiday May 27-28 SETAR NV ARUBA SUPER SERIES BRACKET DRAG RACE This is a national point series event that takes place at International Raceway Park Palo Margo in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322. Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. June 24 DERA GAI (ST.JOHN’S DAY) This is also a colorful cultural celebration. Special festive songs and bright yellow and red costumes, and traditional dances surround the annual “Dera Gai” festival, celebrated on the day of Saint John the Baptist. Festival activities are held at various community centers. June 24-25 HYUNDAI SPEED WEEKEND DRAG RACE A national point series event that place at International Raceway Park Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322 / Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. June 26 20th ARUBA’S INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON Organized by the Aruba Triathlon Association, this triathlon is an international event with participation of 125 athletes. It consists of a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike race and 10 km run. For registration and more information contact IDEFRE at Tel. (297)582-4987, Fax. (297)583-6478 or E-mail arubatriathlon@hotmail.com June 30- July 5 19th ARUBA HI-WINDS AMATEUR WORLD CHALLENGE One of the most popular amateur competitions in the Caribbean happens here in Aruba with the participation of surfers from various countries. Windsurfers, depending on skills level and age, can compete in six different categories: men, women, juniors, masters, super masters and free style. Competitions are held off the beaches at Fisherman’s Hut at Hadicurari. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel: (297) 582-3777 / Fax. (297) 583-7403, or visit the website: www.aruba-hiwinds.com for additional information. July 1 16TH HEINEKEN MUSIC FESTIVAL A special concert with performances of bands from the Caribbean and Latin America,which last year featured Elvis Crespo, a popular merengue singer. For information contact Mr. Garcia at Tel: (297) 582-9093, Fax (297) 583-0778 or e-mail garcias@setarnet.aw Venue: TBA July 2-3 12th ANNUAL ARUBA REEF CARE PROJECT This annual marine environment awareness campaign focuses on the preservation of clean underwater sites and beaches. With over 800 participating volunteers, it is one of the biggest environmental events of the island. Contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at Tel. (297) 582-3777 / Fax.(297) 583-7403 or e-mail c.perez@aruba.com for additional information. July 10-16 10th YOUTH BOWLING INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT 2005 This event is held at the Eagle Bowling Palace, Pos Abao. Categories Pee Wee, Junior, Juvenile, teams must be “mixed”, no matter how many boys or girls in a team. Tournament host hotels are La Cabana and The Mill Resort. Contact Lily Arends at Tel.( 297) 582-6443 /Fax. (297) 583-6310 or E-mail: lillyputters@setranet.aw for additional information. August 5-6 CAR COLOUR SPEED WEEKEND A national point series event that place at International Raceway Park Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322 / Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. Aug.13-16 ARUBA INTERNATIONAL PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT Professional and amateur golfers team up in this 2-day, 36-hole tournament that includes gifts, prizes, special events and parties. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel: (297) 582-3777/ Fax.(297) 583-7403 or Tierra Del Sol at Tel.( 297) 586-7800 / Fax.(297) 586-4970 e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw Aug. 25-27 SYMPHONY OF THE AMERICAS (Pending) Maestro James Brooks–Bruzzese, artistic director of the Symphony of the Americas, will direct a internationally well known orchestra during the annual Summerfest series in Aruba. This event is held at Cas di Cultura. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel. (297) 582-3777 or Fax. at (297) 583-7304, E-mail: ata.aruba@aruba.com for additional information. Sept. 1-2-3 TEXACO ONE COOL SUMMER INTERNATIONAL DRAG RACE Drag race qualifying competition takes place at the International Raceway Park Palo Marga finalize the end of the Summit Super Series 2005. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322/ Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information. Sept. 3 -10 LATIN AMERICAN TENNIS CLUB CHALLENGE CUP Aruba Racquet Club hosts the “Copa Aruba” tournament with participation of players/members of clubs in Aruba and South America. For additional information contact Mr. Humphrey Hose at Tel. (297) 586-0215/ Fax.(297) 586-0215 or e-mail arctennisclub@setarnet.aw or ata.aruba@aruba.com Sept.11 BMW GOLF TOURNAMENT Golfers team up in this 2-day 36–hole tournament that includes gifts and prizes for the winners. Contact Tierra Del Sol at Tel. (297) 586-7800/ Fax. (297) 586-4970, e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or visit their web site www.tierradelsol.com Sept. 12-18 SALSARUBA SALSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ( New)
Yearly dance championship supervised by
International Dance Organization ( IDO) and which will be held in Aruba for
the first time.
Sept. 19-26 ULTIMATEBET.COM ARUBA POKER CLASSIC (New)
A no limit Texas Hold em poker tournament that brings together people from
all over the world to compete for millions of dollars. October 7-8 4th ARUBA MUSIC FESTIVAL This is a spectacular, star studded, two day international concert, which in the past featured performances by Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chicago, Jackson Browne and John Mayer. Contact ATA Special Events at Tel: (297) 582-3777.Fax (297) 583-7403 or visit the website at www.aruba.com or e-mail ata.aruba@aruba.com for additional information. Venue: Aruba Entertainment Center October 22-23 KLM OPEN TOURNAMENT This golf tournament features international players from Latin America. Contact Tierra Del Sol at Tel. (297) 586-7800/ Fax. (297) 586-4970 e-mail tierra.rent@setarnet.aw or visit the website at www.tierradelsol.com for additional information.
October 28-29 BALASHI BEER FINALS SUPER FINALS DRAGRACES This international drag race event features competitors from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Curacao, Bonaire, St.Maarten and Aruba.This event takes place at International Raceway Pak Palo Marga in San Nicolas. Contact Roland Arends at Tel. (297) 584-0322/Fax. (297) 587-3884 E-mail draginaruba@hotmail.com or visit the website www.draginaruba.com for additional information
November 4-5 CELEBRITIES CONCERT & SOFTBALL GAMES This is fundraising concert , softball games and homerun derby held in the Don Elias Mansur Ballpark at 8:00 pm. Past concert perfomers include Olga Tañon, Los Rabanes, Don Omar and Gilberto Santa Rosa as well the best local bands. The concert is a preamble for the celebrity sofball games with Aruba’s own professional baseball players Sidney Ponson, Calvin Maduro and Eugene Kingsale accompanied by other Mayor League popular baseball celebrities. Contact Edson Kelly at E-mail e.kelly@aruba.com or visit the website www.celebrityfoundationaruba.com Venue: TBA November 4-8 25th INTERNATIONAL VETERAN TENNIS CLASSIC Veteran tennis tournament with the participation
of players from USA, Germany, Virgin Island, Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba.
Event to be held at the Aruba Racquet Club. Contact Humphrey Hose at Tel.
(297) 586-0215,
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