Fun in Aruba Is Full Speed Ahead With "Arubapalooza"

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Even with summer in full swing, it's never too early to look ahead to the start of autumn. Fall on the One happy island of Aruba marks the start of "Arubapalooza," the seasonal extravaganza encompassing countless cultural, culinary, music and fashion-oriented events and festivals. Known for perfect weather and powdery white beaches, Aruba is celebrated as one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean.

The cultural festivities fire up each Tuesday with the weekly Bonbini Festival, taking 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, history, people, music and dance of the island during this spirited event.

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 main event is a dazzling parade up and down the main street of San Nicolas.

Arubapalooza is in full swing this fall and winter with countless events like the 2^nd Annual Electric Festival, featuring 23 of the world's biggest DJs in music from techno to electro from Sept. 3-7, while more traditional music fans will enjoy the 8^th Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival from Oct. 3-4.

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 200 restaurants.

Those who wish to explore the flavors of the One happy island can do so with events like the 3^rd annual Battle of the Food Trucks--a showdown of tasty proportions--taking place Oct. 24-25. This family-friendly event combines Aruba's food truck culture and live musical performances from local bands and DJs to produce an epic bash with an island twist.

Active visitors can get into the swing of things with Beach Tennis Aruba's 2014 Championship tournament, taking place Nov. 17-23. Aruba's favorite sport is enjoyable for amateurs and professionals alike, and combines elements taken from beach volleyball, tennis, badminton and table tennis to create the unique and fast-paced national pastime. 

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

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 North American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean outside 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 Fahrenheit 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