We're here to help you keep count of the days to or since a date. Just click the button below and enter your chosen date to get started. Also choose the suggested days or search for a special day above #countingthedays
New Year's Day, falling on January 1st, is a public holiday in Aruba, as it is in many parts of the world. This day marks the beginning of the new calendar year. Aruba, with its Dutch colonial history, follows the Gregorian calendar and celebrates New Year's Day with enthusiasm and various customs similar to those found in both European and Caribbean traditions.
One of the island’s unique traditions for New Year's Eve, which leads into New Year's Day, is the burning of the "King of Fire" or "Fuego King." This involves creating effigies (often resembling a dummy) that are filled with firecrackers and set alight at midnight. This symbolizes burning away the old year's bad luck and welcoming good fortune for the new year.
Another tradition is "Dande," which extends from Christmas through New Year’s Day. It involves groups of musicians visiting homes to play music and sing blessings to the families within, wishing them prosperity for the year ahead.
On New Year's Day itself, many people in Aruba spend time with family and friends. They often enjoy festive meals together that may include traditional Aruban holiday foods such as oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), which are particularly popular during this season.
Public celebrations typically include fireworks displays that illuminate the night sky as residents ring in January 1st. Beaches are also a popular destination on New Year's Day for both locals and tourists; people gather for picnics, swim in the sea, or relax under the sun as part of their celebration.
In addition to these leisure activities, some may attend church services on New Year’s Day to give thanks and pray for a prosperous new year.
New Year's Day is generally a day off work for most residents, allowing them to recover from late-night festivities while enjoying time with loved ones.
