ORANJESTAD, ARUBA (April 24, 2026) — Yesterday afternoon, the Elite Empire Entertainment PR team, led by Marc Benson and Laura Molina, officially announced the 12th Edition of the Flip Flop Festival. The Caribbean’s most anticipated beach-vibe festival returns with a heavy-hitting lineup, a massive new venue structure, and an exclusive two-day experience.

The main event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, running from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM, but this year comes with a major twist for VIP guests.

A Powerhouse Lineup: Reggaeton & Soca Royalty

The 12th edition brings a “clash of the titans” to the Aruba stage:

• Myke Towers: The global Reggaeton sensation is set to headline, bringing the urban sounds of Puerto Rico to the island.
• Machel Montano: The King of Soca coming with his full band and a troupe of elite dancers directly from Trinidad, promising an explosive, high-energy performance.

The local scene is equally well-represented, featuring a diverse range of Aruban talent:

• Bands: Iculture Roots, Tsunami, Buleria, and Groove Masters.
• DJs: The decks will be helmed by DJ Sky, DJ Sin Nombre, DJ Jaimy, and Esovela, with more international DJs to be announced at a later date.

Introducing “The Dome”: The Exclusive Pre-Event

In a first for the festival, Elite Empire revealed a massive addition to the festival grounds. On Friday, June 5, a special pre-event will be held in a newly constructed “Dome” located in the backstage area.

Note: Access to Friday’s pre-event is exclusive to Standing VIP and VIP Table ticket holders. The night will feature dedicated bands, DJs, and a “surprise international artist” to be revealed soon.

Ticketing and VIP Table Structures

Tickets are officially live via the Pay.aw platform and the website https://www.eliteempire.events/events. Physical tickets can be purchased at Citgo Boulevard and Citgo Essoville.

For those seeking the ultimate festival experience, the VIP Table structure has been redesigned:

• Platinum Area: Tables for 10 persons.
• Tropical VIP: Tables for 6 persons.
• Reservations: Dedicated WhatsApp line at 569-3005.

Partners and Surprises

Main sponsor Chill teased “various surprises” for festival-goers, ensuring the atmosphere remains cool as the heat rises on stage. Elite Empire also extended their gratitude to the 2026 partner roster, including KFC, Amigo Car Rental, First Class Experience and Printmaster.

The message from the PR team was clear: with the 12th edition, Flip Flop transcends being just a concert, It is now a full Caribbean festival experience.

This past weekend, the iconic boulders of Casibari were transformed into a luminous sanctuary for creativity as “Vibracion Cultural: Arte di Tarima” (Cultural Vibration: Stage Art) was center of attention. The event, which drew a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike, celebrated the island’s rich heritage through a sophisticated blend of music, spoken word, and performance art.

The natural amphitheater of the rock formations provided a mystical backdrop for an evening dedicated to the “soul of the island,” proving once again that Aruba’s cultural scene is as sturdy and timeless as the rocks themselves.

A Night of Stellar Performances

The lineup featured a curated selection of Aruba’s finest talents, bridging the gap between traditional rhythms and contemporary expression. Highlights of the night included:

• Poetic Resonance: Local poets delivered powerful verses that touched on themes of identity, nature, and the Aruban spirit, echoing through the rock crevices.
• Musical Fusion: From soulful acoustic sets to rhythmic folk-inspired melodies, the music kept the audience fascinated under the starlight.
• Celebrating Legacy: The event also served as a milestone celebration for Fundacion Muchila Creativo, marking 23 years of fostering artistic growth in the Aruban community.

Community and Identity

Beyond the entertainment, “Arte di Tarima” focused on social cohesion. The event successfully brought together different generations, from elders sharing stories of old Aruba to youngsters discovering new ways to express their artistic flair.

“There is a specific energy at Casibari that you won’t find anywhere else,” noted one of the organizers. “When you combine that natural history with the live voices of our people, you create a ‘vibration’ that stays with the audience long after they leave.”

Looking Ahead

The success of last weekend’s gathering signals a growing appetite for authentic, grass-roots cultural events in Aruba. The organizers of Vibracion Cultural expressed their gratitude to the community for the massive turnout and teased that more “Stage Art” pop-ups are planned for various historic locations across the island in the coming months.

ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Stichting Maneho di Aruba su Carnaval (SMAC) recently hosted a festive “Thank You Party” to express its heartfelt gratitude to the diverse group of individuals and organizations that have supported Aruba’s Carnaval over the past four years.

The event served as a celebration of the collective effort required to bring the island’s largest cultural manifestation to life, while also marking a significant milestone: the conclusion of Darren van Ommeren’s four-year tenure as President.

A Night of Gratitude

The gathering brought together volunteers, sponsors, security personnel, government officials, and media partners. The primary goal was to acknowledge those who worked behind the scenes—often for long hours—to ensure that every parade, contest, and musical event ran smoothly from 2022 through 2026.

Key Highlights of the Celebration:

• Recognition of Stakeholders: SMAC representatives took the stage to thank the unsung heroes whose dedication kept the spirit of Carnaval alive, especially during the transitional years following global challenges.
• Leadership Tribute: Much of the evening focused on the leadership of Darren van Ommeren. As President, van Ommeren was credited with navigating the organization through complex logistical shifts and modernizing several aspects of the Carnaval experience.
• Cultural Unity: Attendees enjoyed an evening of local music and camaraderie, reinforcing the idea that Carnaval is not just a series of events, but a pillar of Aruban identity.

“The National Commission for Intangible Cultural Heritage Aruba would like to thank everyone who participated this past Saturday in their successful first national consultation. On this occasion, they had the opportunity to hear from the music sector.

The participation of key actors within our community will help us develop a national inventory to identify which intangible heritage must be safeguarded for future generations!

Elaboration: Why This Matters

This announcement is a significant step in Aruba’s commitment to the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here is a deeper look at what is happening:

• The Focus on Music: By starting with the music sector, the Commission is engaging with the heartbeat of Aruban identity. This includes traditional genres like the Wals, Danza, Mazurka, and the iconic Caha di Orgel, Tambu as well as seasonal traditions like Dande and Carnival rhythms.
• The “National Inventory”: This isn’t just a list. It is a formal recognition. Creating an inventory is a prerequisite for seeking international protection or funding. It documents the “living” culture—the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
• “Safeguarding” vs. “Preserving”: While “preserving” often refers to keeping something frozen in time (like an artifact in a museum), safeguarding is about ensuring that living traditions continue to be practiced and passed down from masters to apprentices and from parents to children.
• Community-Led: The Commission emphasizes “key actors” because intangible heritage cannot be defined by the government alone. It must be defined by the practitioners, the musicians, instrument makers, and historians—who keep the culture alive every day.

What’s Next? Since this was the first consultation, you can expect future sessions to focus on other “pillars” of heritage, such as:

1. Oral traditions and expressions (including Papiamento as a vehicle of heritage).
2. Performing arts (dance and theater).
3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events.
4. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
5. Traditional craftsmanship.

Are you involved in the Aruban arts scene, or are you looking to participate in one of these upcoming sessions?

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!