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Bright blue with a contrasting red star: the Aruban flag is a true eye-catcher. What do the colors mean? And what is Anthem and Flag Day? Find out!
The flag of Aruba was officially adopted on March 18, 1976, along with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera". When you look at the national flag of Aruba, is blue with 2 yellow stripes and 1 red star with a white outline. Each color has its special meaning. Let’s dive deep into the symbolism.
The main color of the Aruban flag is blue, representing the blue sea surrounding the island.
The 2 horizontal stripes denote Aruba's freedom and distinct status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, since 1986. The yellow color of the stripes symbolizes the gold mining industry; one of the main sources of income for the country.
The red star represents the 4 points of a compass, with the island having drawn people from around the world. The Aruban flag star symbolizes the four points of the compass, denoting the varied source of more than 40 nationalities living on Aruba. It also represents the island itself, surrounded by the blue sea.
Last but certainly not least, the white outline of the red star expresses Aruba’s snow-white beaches and the purity of the hearts of the Aruban people who strive for justice and liberty.
The Aruban flag was partially designed by Whitney Smith. Smith was born in Arlington, Massachusetts in 1940 and was fascinated by flags from a young age. He studied political science at Harvard, where he designed the flag of Guyana after corresponding with its president. He later earned his doctorate at Boston University, focusing on political symbolism. Over time, Smith became the world’s leading authority on flags, coining the term “vexillology” – the study of flags. He wrote 27 books and designed (or helped design) numerous flags, including the flag of Aruba. This flag was officially adopted in 1976, together with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera". This happened on March 18, 1976, which is now celebrated as Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba.
Whitney Smith was part of a committee that developed the Aruban flag. After much deliberation, 3 out of 693 (!) design submissions were chosen. It turned out that one of those designs was hard to manufacture, so flag expert Whitney Smith stepped in with a fresh idea after his first one didn't cut. The committee refined the winning design: the Aruban flag was born!
The National Anthem and Flag Day holiday is held each year on March 18th and celebrates Aruba's independence.
Aruba’s Flag and Anthem Day is a holiday to commemorate our journey as a nation and everything the flag of Aruba represents. It is also a day of enjoying great local food, and fun traditional activities with friends and family. If you’re in Aruba on March 18, be sure to check out the many cultural events that take place.
Aruba is not just a tropical paradise. It’s a center of Caribbean art and culture.
ExploreWe’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.
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