Don’t leave these at home!
Essential items our readers always pack for Aruba.

Latest Aruba Culture

Woman reading the an Aruba book on Flamingo Island

10 Best Books Set In Aruba From Local & International Authors

Discover the best books set in Aruba — thrillers, romance, YA, and local authors. A traveler’s literature reading list for One Happy Island in 2025.

Discover the best books set in Aruba — thrillers, romance, YA, and local authors. A traveler’s literature reading list for One Happy Island in 2025.

Woman reads a book in the a hammock in the Caribbean

Top 11 Caribbean-Inspired Books To Get You Into Holiday Mood

Here are the best Caribbean books to read in 2025 — romance, adventure and literary fiction with some true classics filled with sun, sea & island vibes.

Here are the best Caribbean books to read in 2025 — romance, adventure and literary fiction with some true classics filled with sun, sea & island vibes.

Movies filmed in the Caribbean

23 Famous Movies Filmed & Set In The Caribbean

Discover 23 famous movies filmed or set in the Caribbean — from Pirates of the Caribbean to Bond classics, explore real island locations behind the big screen.

Discover 23 famous movies filmed or set in the Caribbean — from Pirates of the Caribbean to Bond classics, explore real island locations behind the big screen.

Band plays the steel drum in 2025

How The Caribbean Steelpan History Shaped Local Music

Learn about the origin of the steelpan, the most famous Caribbean percussion instrument and find out how you can start your musical journey.

Learn about the origin of the steelpan, the most famous Caribbean percussion instrument and find out how you can start your musical journey.

Don’t leave these at home!
Essential items our readers always pack for Aruba.

Must read

News

Traveling to Aruba? You’re going to love these!
Excursions
77 Activities
Itinerary
7-day & 24-hour plan
Weather
Best time to visit
Videos
Walking tours
Requirements
Visa, customs & more
Transportation
Get in, out & around
Useful info
Stats & facts

Aruba Culture: Festivals, Traditions & Local Heritage

Twistour's Aruba Culture blog explores the heart of the island beyond its beaches in 2025. This is where we share the traditions, celebrations, and everyday details that make Aruba more than just a vacation spot. From music-filled festivals to the quiet pride of family recipes, Aruba’s culture is a living blend of Indigenous roots, African heritage, and Dutch influence, deeply rooted in Aruba's history.

We write about Carnival in Aruba — the island’s biggest celebration — as well as smaller events like Dande at New Year, Dia di San Juan bonfires, and local harvest festivals. You’ll also find stories about Aruban music, from steel pan bands to tumba, and how these rhythms bring people together.

Beyond festivals, we highlight island art, literature, and storytelling. Aruba’s colorful murals in San Nicolas, craft markets, and folk tales are as much a part of its identity as its turquoise waters. Food is culture too, so we cover dishes like keshi yena, pastechi, and pan bati, exploring how local kitchens keep traditions alive while also evolving with modern tastes.

If you’re curious about what makes Aruba feel different from other Caribbean islands, this section of Twistour is where you’ll find it. We share guides, personal experiences, and insider tips that connect you with the island’s cultural heartbeat — colorful, welcoming, and always evolving.

Frequently asked questions

Aruba is best known for its Carnival, but also celebrates local customs like Dande (singing for blessings at New Year), Dia di San Juan, and unique holiday foods.

The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, but English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

Local styles like tumba and waltz mix African and European influences, and Carnival road marches feature steel pan, brass, and modern Caribbean beats.

San Nicolas is Aruba’s street art hub, while galleries, markets, and festivals across the island showcase local crafts and paintings.

Yes — dishes like keshi yena (stuffed cheese), funchi, pastechi, and fresh seafood are cultural staples, blending Dutch, African, and Caribbean flavors.

DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Travel ideas for your next Caribbean holiday
Send us a messageBusiness Messenger by