Fall Is In Full Swing In Aruba With "Arubapalooza"

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer may be over on the mainland, but the fun is just beginning in Aruba, known as the One happy island. Fall marks the start of "Arubapalooza," the sunny island's seasonal extravaganza encompassing countless cultural, culinary, music and fashion-oriented events and festivals. Known for its perfect weather and powdery white beaches, Aruba is celebrated as one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean.

The newest addition to Arubapalooza allows guests to keep white in season with the launch of "Little White Dress Night." A more vibrant and Caribbean-inspired take on the ever-popular Little Black Dress Night, this nightlife initiative takes place every Monday throughout fall and is supported by more than 25 bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Visitors and locals, both male and female alike, donning white will receive exclusive specials ranging from complimentary white sangria to "little white dresserts" and more. The cultural extravaganza continues on Tuesday with the weekly Bonbini Festival, which takes place in downtown Oranjestad in the outdoor courtyard of Fort Zoutman, Aruba's oldest building. Meaning "welcome" in Aruba's official language of Papiamento, "Bonbini" encourages visitors to sample the flavors of the island, its history, people, music and dance during this spirited evening.

Each Thursday from 6-10 p.m. in the town of San Nicolas, the multicultural charms of Aruba's "Sunrise City" are on display at the lively Carubbian Festival. Visitors stroll through the streets while vendors sell crafts, souvenirs and delicious Aruban and Caribbean street food. The event is an interactive parade up and down the main street of San Nicolas.

Arubapalooza is in full swing this fall with countless events like the 7^th Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, and Aruba In Style 2013, the leading fashion and lifestyle event in the Caribbean, taking place Nov. 7-10.

Home to more than 90 nationalities on island, Aruba is at the epicenter of a cultural melting pot, offering Amerindian, Latin and European influences found in every aspect of life – especially in the flavor-rich cuisine served at more than 150 restaurants.

Those who wish to explore the flavors of the One happy island can do so with events like Battle of the Food Trucks—a showdown of tasty proportions—taking place Oct. 25-26, and the 3^rd annual Sabor Aruba festival, Nov. 8-9. This free event brings international talent to the One happy island, combining celebrity chef demonstrations, music, art and food into one celebration the whole family can enjoy.

The new One Happy Foodie campaign gives Aruba Facebook fans the chance to show off their culinary skills and win a foodie-fabulous trip to the island. Three famous Aruban chefs have shared recipes to their signature dishes, inviting fans to change one aspect of the recipe to make it their own. The judges will determine a winner based on creativity, authenticity and quality of the submission and award a five-night trip for two to the Westin Resort & Casino (airfare included). Winner also will receive $100 gift card to use at island restaurants and a personal meet-and-greet session with the Westin's chef. Submission period ends Friday, Oct. 18, and amateur chefs can enter to win on Aruba's Facebook page.

For more information on Arubapalooza and fall events, visit the new www.Aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @ArubaTourism.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba -- One Happy Island -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean on the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York City and also boasts year-round cooling trade winds and an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise, including breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene, world famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championships golf and exclusive shopping. With all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded hotels in Palm Beach or a cosmopolitan city hotel in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for first-time guests and loyal visitors. www.aruba.com. 

SOURCE Aruba