Seafood is the main staple of the Aruban diet. Fresh fish is still brought in by the local fishermen and is best prepared in the unassuming restaurants tucked in backstreets of residential areas. The catch of the day, mainly barracuda, grouper and snapper, is grilled, broiled, baked or fried and served with a Creole sauce. Such traditional dishes include keri-keri (seasoned with achota seed, curry and a local type of basil) or balchi di pisca (fish cakes). Meals are accompanied by rice, pan bati (corn bread pancake) or funchi (polenta).

Other favourite dishes include stews of goat, beef or "comcomber" (vegetable). Aruban BBQ is popular with ribs, chicken or steak, topped generously with their own spicy BBQ sauce. Local ingredients were combined with imported products, such as Dutch cheeses, to create dishes like Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese).

Today's Aruban culture is a melting pot of 40 distinct nationalities, ranging from South America, North America, Europe and Asia, all mixed in with the island's natives. The native Aruban is a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, and Arawak.

Food has always played a central role in celebrations and family reunions. This would explain the wonderful culinary reputation enjoyed by the island. Simple hidden family bistros will enchant your epicurean repast.

Aruba's folklore is strongly present also in the music and dance. The island's first popular songs were of European influence, like the waltz, which is still evident in the rhythm for Aruba's national anthem. Latin music is common as well, such as the Gaita and Aguinaldo groups heard during Christmas. Calypso sounds rule the Carnival, and New Year's Eve is accompanied by the traveling Dande musicians. Traditional Aruban music is known as Tumba is heard only in the ABC islands.

Art was often represented with realistic renderings of island landscapes. The Dutch amateur artists influenced local Aruban artists but today the younger generation of artists, often having studied abroad, express themselves in a more contemporary voice.

The architecture found on the island was a tell-tale sign of one's social standing. Farmers often built the countryside house known as Cunucu. This rectangular stucco house displays a peaked roof with orange tile and is positioned to best utilize the cooling flow of wind. Society's upper crust (merchants, clergy, government officials and the like) favoured the manor house. These manors are best identified by their porticos, colonnades and European ornamentation. These mansions can be admired in downtown Oranjestad.

Located in the southern part of the Caribbean, Aruba is part of the coined term ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curacao. These three islands form the Lesser Antilles islands and are just north of Venezuela. It is a small island measuring 30 km long and about 8 km wide.

The terrain and vegetation are unusual. The south western coast offers kilometres of pristine beaches. The northeast coast is much more rugged and wild. But most surprising is the desert inland with cacti and dramatic rock formations. The watapana, or divi-divi tree, with its trunk bent by constant trade winds, is also a symbol of the island.

Populated by the Arawak of the Caquetio tribe since the Stone Age, it was officially discovered by the Spaniards in 1499. The island was soon declared useless, just like its neighbours Bonaire and Curacao and the Spanish immediately shipped off the Arawaks as slaves to Santo Domingo. The remaining Arawaks quickly regained power as the Spanish lost interest of the island.

In 1636 the Dutch laid claim to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). Fortunes were made with horse and cattle breeding as permanent Europeans settlers arrived in the late 1700s. Oranjestad was founded and named after the reigning Royal House of Orange. Over the years, waves of immigrants from various countries, such as Venezuelans, arrived and enriched today's Aruban culture. During the 19th century, gold was discovered in Aruba and aloe plantations flourished. The 20th century saw the beginning of the oil industry. The Lago refinery was established and became the main employer until 1985. Today the Texan Valero Oil Company has taken over 60% of the refinery.

The last decades saw the birth of tourism industry. On January 1st, 1986, the nation left the Netherlands Antilles to become a “status aparte” within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Aruba's vegetation has adapted well to its dry environment with desert landscape covered by rare cacti and aloe. The watapana (divi-divi tree), the kwihi (mesquite tree) and the druif (sea grapes) are among other particularities of the island.

Aruba is home to many colourful birds, such as the endemic shoco, a burrowing owl, many of which can be observed in the Arikok National Park. Harmless lizards abound on the island and donkeys have their own sanctuaries. The marine life is mesmerizing with several species of coral, tropical fish and sea turtles.

There are a multitude of sports available for practice in the many resorts and beach areas, mostly involving water of course. Popular activities include snorkelling, kayaking, water skiing and sailing. This island is ideal for windsurfing fanatics. Scuba divers will love Aruba with its magnificent coral reefs and some of the world's most fascinating wrecks.

Horseback ridding, biking or hiking in Aruba's Arikok National Park is always a delight. You will find two wonderful golf courses on the island: the Tierra del Sol and the Aruba Golf Club. Paintball has gained much popularity.

Soccer and baseball are the most popular sports in the country.