Last Thursday, the National Library of Aruba (Biblioteca Nacional Aruba) hosted a culturally significant event: the public screening of the documentary “Historia y preservacion di caha di orgel di Aruba”.

Presented by Ivan Quandus, who has become a key figure in safeguarding this unique musical heritage, the evening was more than just a film screening—it was a celebration of Aruban identity.

The event kicked off with a lively, festive atmosphere. Before the film rolled, attendees were treated to the authentic sounds of the caha di orgel playing in the background allowing the audience to reconnect with the melodies that have entertained Aruban weddings, parties, and holidays for generations.

By presenting this event to the general public, the National Library and Ivan Quandus provided a space for both the older generation to reminisce and the younger generation to discover a craft that is uniquely Aruban. The evening concluded with a sense of collective pride, reinforcing the idea that while technology changes, the “soul” of Aruban music found within the gears and pins of the caha di orgel must be protected.

It was a night where history wasn’t just read about in books, but heard and felt through the hand-cranked melodies of the island’s most iconic instrument.

Yesterday, at a packed Sasy Coffee Pub, the audience enjoyed a jazz concert performed by Reno Steba and his quartet.

The evening kicked off with a mix of Brazilian music and swing, alongside local selections featuring creative improvisations. The event also featured a special guest appearance by violinist Omar Kock.

The highlight of the night was a heartfelt tribute by Reno Steba to the legendary drummer Herbert “Ebby” Peterson, who famously performed with Padu del Caribe, the “Father of Aruban Culture.”

Sientes el ritmo? ¡Solo falta una semana para que el Vibra Latina Festival 2026 haga historia! Este sábado 28 de marzo, el Harbor Arena se convertirá en el epicentro de la fiesta más grande del Caribe. Prepárate para una descarga musical sin precedentes que te hará bailar desde el primer segundo hasta el amanecer.

Un Lineup de Infarto

La leyenda del vallenato Carlos Vives, junto a la energía imparable de Dalvin La Melodía y el flow de KEVV, encabezan una noche donde no habrá descanso. Y porque el talento de casa es ley, nuestras bandas locales Tsunami y Buleria pondrán a vibrar cada rincón de la isla.

¿Miedo al silencio? ¡Imposible! La cabina estará en llamas con los mejores: DJ Sky, Dr Eli, Mark Benson, Andrew Mix, Golden y DJ Sin Nombre. ¡La música no para, la vibra no baja!

¡ALERTA DE SOLD OUT!

¡Corre porque te quedas fuera! Las secciones Platinum y Gold Plus ya volaron. Si quieres ser parte de esta experiencia épica, aún quedan los últimos tickets en Standing VIP y General.

• ¿Prefieres exclusividad? Todavía puedes reservar tus mesas Silver (6 personas) o Gold (10 personas).
• ¿Dónde comprar? Vuela a Citgo Blvd., Citgo Essoville o entra ya mismo a pay.aw.
• Reservas de mesas: Envía un WhatsApp al +297 569 3005. ¡Se están agotando como pan caliente!

El Mundo Pone Sus Ojos en Aruba

¡Esto es un fenómeno internacional! Los vuelos desde Curazao ya están repletos y turistas de toda América están aterrizando para unirse a la locura. Gigantes como RCN, Telemundo, Caracol, Univision y El Tiempo estarán presentes cubriendo cada detalle de esta noche inolvidable.

Importante: Evento exclusivo para mayores de 16 años. 🔞

Aruba’s musical heritage became the primary focus past Thursday as producer Ivan Quandus premiered his latest documentary, “Historia y preservacion di caha di orgel di Aruba,” at UNOCA. The event was an intimate gathering of the documentary’s protagonists, their families, and invited members of the press, all coming together to celebrate a uniquely Aruban tradition.

A Journey of Music and Emotion

The documentary, which spans over an hour, is far more than just a historical timeline. It provides a vivid look into the lives of the owners and keepers of the Caha di Orgel. Through their eyes, the film captures the full spectrum of the instrument’s journey:

• The Joy and Humor: Stories of celebrations and the “alegria” that the organ brings to every occasion.
• The Struggle: Honest reflections on the concerns regarding the preservation of these handcrafted instruments.
• The Gratitude: A deep sense of thankfulness from those who have dedicated their lives to keeping the crank turning.

• A Gift for Future Generations
• The evening also featured a historic moment for the island’s musical archives. Representing Alfonso “Buchi” Boekhoudt, Mrs. Zoraida officially presented a monumental book containing more than 500 arrangements specifically for the Caha di Orgel.
• This invaluable collection was presented to drs. Raymond Hernandez of the Archivo Nacional Aruba (ANA). This donation ensures that the intricate melodies and arrangements of the past are safely preserved for future researchers and musicians to study and enjoy.

Community and Cultural Support

Following the screening, Ivan Quandus expressed his profound gratitude to UNOCA for their unwavering belief in the project’s cultural value. He also shared a heartfelt “danki” to the caha owners who opened their homes and shared their personal histories to make this film a reality.

Where to Watch

The mission of this film is to reach everyone who values Aruban culture—especially the younger generation. If you missed the premiere, don’t worry!

• TeleAruba: Keep an eye on the schedule for an upcoming broadcast.
• Future Screenings: More locations and dates will be announced soon.

We encourage all musicians and culture lovers to experience this documentary. It is a beautiful reminder that while the world changes, the mechanical soul of Aruba’s music continues to play on.

Stay tuned to Arubamusician.com for updates on where you can catch the next screening!

As the Caribbean breeze swept across the island, the 29th edition of the Festival Un Canto pa Aruba su Himno y Bandera reached its grand crescendo. This year’s “Adulto” category brought together the finest voices and songwriters of Aruba, all united by a singular purpose: to honor the island’s national anthem and flag through the power of music.

The air was thick with patriotic pride as the results were finally announced, showcasing a breathtaking level of talent in both traditional and anthem-style compositions.

Categoria Tipico di Antaño: Celebrating Tradition

In the “Tipico di Antaño” category, which honors the classic sounds of Aruban heritage, the competition was fierce.

• Ganador Absoluto (Overall Winner): The top honor went to the composition “Nos Tradicion,” performed by the duo Raquel Lampe & Rachel Kraaiivanger. Representing the group Stimami, their performance captured the heart of Aruban culture, backed by the expert composition of Jhon Freddy Tobon Montoya and arrangement by Federico Martis.
• Segundo Lugar: Ryah Sy took second place with the song “Si Nos Actua Awo,” representing Tipico Colegio.
• Tercer Lugar: Segundino Tromp secured third place with “Baluartenan di nos pais,” a true solo effort as he also served as the composer and arranger.

Categoria Himno y Bandera: A Tribute to the Nation

The “Himno y Bandera” category focused on the soul of the island’s identity. The night saw a dominant performance by several key artists and composers.

• Ganador Absoluto: The prestigious title was awarded to Alexa Croes for her stirring rendition of “Nos ta loke tin.” Representing the group D’Nova, the song featured the winning songwriting of Jhon Freddy Tobon Montoya and a masterful arrangement by Denny Loefstop.
• The Podium Finishers:
  • 2nd Place: Veloushka Krozendijk with “Mi Herencia, Mi Raiz” (Shine Music).
  • 3rd Place: Jerrich Kock with “Sea Agradecido” (Shine Music).
• Rounding out the Top 5: Cesar Olarte took 4th place with “Aruba ta Bendiciona,” while Jelitza Croes earned 5th place with “Te den tuti di bo wesonan.”

A Night of Collaboration

The 2026 festival was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the island. Jhon Freddy Tobon Montoya emerged as a standout figure of the evening, composing the winning tracks for both major categories—a rare and impressive “double crown” that highlights his influence on modern Aruban music.

This celebration would not have been possible without the support of the community and sponsors, including Arubabank, Setar, and the Government of Aruba, who continue to ensure that the island’s musical heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.

As the sun sets on the 29th edition, the melodies of “Nos Tradicion” and “Nos ta loke tin” remain, echoing the enduring love Arubans hold for their land, their flag, and their song.

The Carnival Village in San Nicolas was alive and national pride last night as the Festival Un Canto pa Aruba su Himno y Bandera Infantil – Hubenil 2026 took center stage. It was an unforgettable evening showcasing the immense talent, culture, and love for our island held by our youngest generations.

From the first note to the final applause, the stage was a beautiful tribute to our national symbols. These young voices brought our anthem and flag to life with incredible artistry and soul. We salute every performer for their dedication to our dushi Aruba!

Here are the official results from last night’s competition:

Categoria 4-6 Aña

• Ganado Absoluto: Marie-Elize Faro — “Isla bunita, Isla stima” (Comp/Arr: Zulaika Geerman/Grupo Rejoice)
• 2do Lugar: Ariella Maduro — “Pabien Aruba” (Comp: Marylou Trimon y Edselyn Figaroa | Arr: Jaderick Croes)
• 3er Lugar: Cislainey Thomas — “Mi bus” (Comp/Arr: Jaderick Croes)

Categoria 7-9 Aña

• Ganado Absoluto: Elias Kamperveen — “Sopi Cultural” (Comp/Arr: Zulaika Geerman/Grupo Rejoice)
• 2do Lugar: Adeliza Henriquez — “Ban Celebra” (Comp/Arr: Zulaika Geerman/Grupo Rejoice)
• 3er Lugar: Alyna Henriquez — “Macutu di tradicion” (Comp: Candred “Shuby” Lanoy y Jurina Maduro | Arr: Candred “Shuby” Lanoy)

Categoria 10-12 Aña

• Ganado Absoluto: Elizeë Bislip — “Aruba, bon tera” (Comp: Afranina Henriquez y Zulaika Geerman | Arr: Zulaika Geerman/Grupo Rejoice)
• 2do Lugar: Jaymerson Kelly — “Aprecia locual nos tin” (Comp: Jason Kelly – Emilene Boekhoudt | Arr: Albertico Kelly)
• 3er Lugar: Carly-Anne Buera — “Oh dushi wals” (Comp: Lurena Schwengle | Arr: Diego Henriquez)

Categoria 13-17 Aña

• Ganado Absoluto: Stephanie Quant — “Esey ta Aruba” (Comp: Stephanie Quant y Jaderick Croes | Arr: Jaderick Croes)
• 2do Lugar: Melody Franken, Brayden Elisabeth, & Jaylon Machado — “Arkitectonan inspira” (Comp: Lurena Schwengle | Arr: Raul Piar)
• 3er Lugar: Lizienne Webb — “Bon Hende” (Comp: Edseline Figaroa | Arr: Michael Odor)

A huge thank you to all the composers, arrangers, and the families who supported these young stars. You are the heart of Aruba’s culture!

The ACSM 2026 Prize Award Event took place this past Tuesday night at The Casino at St. Regis Aruba. The event, organized by Stichting Musica, was held to officially recognize the winners and finalists from this year’s competition.

The evening ran from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and brought together the artists, the people who wrote the songs (composers and arrangers), and the sponsors who supported the event. Members of the local press and media were also there to cover the highlights.

A Night for the Creators

The event focused on giving credit to everyone involved in making the music. This included:

• The Artists: The singers and performers who won or made it to the finals.
• The Team Behind the Music: The composers and arrangers who created the songs.
• The Supporters: Branding partners and sponsors who helped fund and promote the season.

Recognizing Hard Work

It was a simple but meaningful night. Instead of just a big show, it was a chance for people to meet in person and say “congratulations.” Stichting Musica made sure that the people working behind the scenes, like the songwriters, got just as much credit as the people on stage.

By the end of the night, it was clear that the local music scene is strong and has a lot of support from the community.

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – As the sun dipped below the horizon this past Sunday, February 15, 2026, the energy in Oranjestad only intensified. Following the spectacular opening by the first four powerhouses—TOB, Dushi, Los Laga Bai, and HEPA DMC Society—the second half of the 72nd Grand Carnival Parade raised the bar even higher.

The streets remained a sea of movement as the final four groups brought the “Grand” to the Grand Parade, proving why Aruba’s Carnival is a world-class cultural phenomenon.

The Final Four: A Symphony of Color and Sound

The second half of the procession was a masterclass in Aruban creativity, featuring veteran groups and legendary musical ensembles that kept the “jump-up” spirit alive until the very last meter:

The Burning of King Momo

The festivities reached their symbolic and fiery conclusion at the Aruba Harbour Arena. In a tradition that dates back decades, the legendary King Momo—the spirit of Carnival—was read his “will” and set ablaze.

The burning of the oversized effigy signifies the end of the indulgence and the beginning of the Lenten season. As the flames rose against the night sky, participants shared a final “last lap,” dancing around the bonfire in a bittersweet farewell to the 72nd edition.

“The fire of King Momo doesn’t just end the party; it cleanses the island. We burn the spirit of excess so we can return to our daily lives with a renewed heart, already dreaming of next year.” — A long-time Carnival participant

A Season for the Record Books

With the embers of King Momo fading, Aruba now transitions into a period of rest. This 2026 season was marked by a stunning return to massive participation and a heavy emphasis on live music, solidifying the island’s reputation as the “One Happy Island” with “One Big Heartbeat.”

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – The rhythm of the Caribbean took full control of the streets this past Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Aruba celebrated the pinnacle of its cultural calendar: the 72nd Grand Carnival Parade.

Under a brilliant Aruban sun, thousands of participants and spectators gathered in the capital to witness a spectacle of feathers, sequins, and infectious energy. This year’s parade featured 8 premier carnival groups, each bringing a unique theme and a wall of sound that vibrated through downtown Oranjestad.

As we kick off our special coverage of this historic 72nd edition, we are highlighting the first four groups that set the pace for an unforgettable Sunday.

The Opening Vanguard: The First 4 Groups

Below are the groups that led the procession, showcasing the sheer scale and craftsmanship of Aruban Mas:

A Feast for the Senses

The parade route, stretching from the Aruba Entertainment Center through the heart of the city, was lined with “kiosks” and family tents. The air was filled with the scent of local snacks and the sounds of the latest Caiso & Soca Monarch hits.

According to SMAC (Stichting Maneho di Aruba su Carnaval), the level of detail in this year’s costumes has set a new benchmark, with many groups incorporating sustainable materials into their massive floats.

“Carnival 72 is more than just a parade; it’s a heartbeat. Seeing the creativity of these first four groups reminds us why Aruba is the premier Carnival destination of the Caribbean.” — Local Spectator

The streets of San Nicolas were transformed into a shimmering kaleidoscope of color and sound last night as the annual Parada di Luz (Parade of Lights) made its triumphant return. Residents and visitors lined the sidewalks to witness one of the most visually stunning events of the Carnival season.

The event was characterized by a “simple yet colorful” charm—proving that you don’t need over-the-top complexity to create magic when you have high-energy participants and brilliant displays.

Pure Rhythm and “Ambiente”

The atmosphere, or ambiente, was the true star of the night. The energy was high from start to finish, proving once again why San Nicolas is the soulful heart of Aruban Carnival. The night saw:

• 9 Musical Bands: The island’s top musical powerhouses provided their soundtrack, each atop trailers adorned with thousands of twinkling LEDs.
• A Rhythmic Brassband: Adding a raw, soulful pulse to the procession, the brassband brought that authentic local flavor that got the entire crowd moving.
• Vibrant Visuals: While the setups were straightforward, the explosion of colors from the costumes and light displays created a mesmerizing effect against the night sky.

A Safe and Successful Night

Perhaps the most celebrated news of the evening was the seamless execution of the event. Despite the large crowds and intense ambiente, the parade concluded without incident.

Local authorities and organizers praised the public for their exemplary behavior. The smooth flow of the parade allowed families to enjoy the spectacle in a safe, festive environment, ensuring that the focus remained exactly where it belonged: on the culture, the music, and the community spirit.

“It was Carnival at its best,” noted one spectator. “The music was not loud, the lights were bright, and the vibes were just right. This is exactly how a parade should be.”

With the Parada di Luz now in the books, the momentum for the Carnival season continues to build toward the Grand Parades this weekend.