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Country Guide > Caribbean > Aruba | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Not much food is grown locally, but the variety in the local cuisine is extensive. Aruban specialities include stobà (lamb or goat stew), cala (bean fritters), pastechi (meat- or cheese-stuffed turnovers), ayacas (leaf-wrapped meat roll) and sopi di pisca (fish chowder). There is a very wide range of international cuisine and several of the more famous fast-food chains have premises on the island. Nightlife There is one drive-in and one indoor cinema screening current American, European and Latin American films. The highlight of Aruba’s nightlife, however, is the casinos, of which there are 11, open from 1100 until the early morning. It is possible to take a dinner cruise. There are several bars and discos in Oranjestad, as well as nightclubs offering revues and live music. Themed nights and limbo dancing are a local speciality. Shopping As a ‘free zone’, duty on most items in Aruba is so low that shopping here can have obvious advantages. Stores carry goods from all parts of the world and there are some excellent buys, including perfume, linens, jewellery, watches, cameras, crystal, china and other luxury items plus a range of locally made handicrafts. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800; some shops close for lunch between 1200-1400. Shops in malls and shopping centres may open 0930-1800 and may open Sundays when cruise ships are in port. Special Events For a full list of special events contact the Aruba Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Aruba in 2005: Jan 1 51st Carnival Celebration, countrywide. Jan 7 Torch Parade (floats, costumes and lights). Feb 6 Grand 51st Carnival Parade (culmination of the annual carnival), Oranjestad. Feb 7 Carnival Monday/Old Mask Parade and Burning of King Momito. Mar 20 20th International Half-Marathon. Apr 24-30 15th Eagle International Bowling Tournament. May 25-30 Soul Beach Music Festival 2005. Jun 26 20th International Triathlon. Jul 1-16 16th Heineken Music Festival. Aug 13-16 International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Oct 22-23 KLM Open Tournament. Dec Christmas Bazaars. Dec 5 St Nicolas Day. Social Conventions Much of the social activity takes place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal, often American in feel. The islanders do not wear shorts in town though it is acceptable for visitors to do so. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside. In the evenings people tend to dress up, especially when visiting the casinos. Jackets are not required for men, except for official government functions. Tipping: Hotels add a 15 per cent service charge to any food or beverage bill. Restaurants may add 15 per cent service to the bill; if not, 10 to 15 per cent is normal. Taxi fares do not include tips, but there may be charges for luggage and tips are well appreciated. |