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Cultural Celebration - Parada di brazil 2019. Brazil is a neighborhood on Aruba that always has had special attention and appreciation for traditions, foklore and culture of Aruba. To help maintain and share the culture of Aruba, a committee 'Comision Celebracion Dia di Brazil' has been founded. The cultural celebration 'Dia di Brazil' is one of the events held every year as part of the cultural celebration.

Aruba and the Netherlands: Understanding Their Unique Connection

Discover the rich history and unique status of Aruba within the Netherlands Antilles, exploring its deep connections to the Netherlands.

Aruba, often associated with the Netherlands, has a unique status that sets it apart from many other Caribbean islands. Although Aruba was once part of the Netherlands Antilles, it gained autonomy in 1986 and is now a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This special relationship means that while Aruba governs itself in many areas, it shares certain responsibilities, such as defense and foreign affairs, with the Netherlands. Understanding this connection is key to appreciating Aruba’s blend of Caribbean charm and Dutch heritage.

Fun fact: Did you know the Netherlands Antilles had a flag?

Netherlands Antilles Flag​​​​​

 

How is Aruba connected to the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles?

Check out the FAQ below.

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What is the Netherlands Antilles?
The Netherlands Antilles was a group of islands in the Caribbean that were part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This group included Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. These islands were collectively known as the Netherlands Antilles until the group was dissolved in 2010. Part of this is known as the ‘ABC islands’, which are Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. Aruba had already separated from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, becoming an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while the other islands followed suit in 2010.
Netherlands Antilles Flag
The Netherlands Antilles had its own flag, which symbolized the unity of the islands within the Caribbean as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The flag featured a white background with a blue horizontal band and a red vertical band intersecting in the center, with five white stars representing the five main islands. Although the Netherlands Antilles no longer exists, the flag remains a symbol of the region's shared history.
Is Aruba owned by the Netherlands?
Aruba is not "owned" by the Netherlands in the traditional sense, but it is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This means that Aruba is self-governing in most respects, managing its own internal affairs, but it shares certain powers, such as defense and foreign policy, with the Netherlands. This relationship allows Aruba to maintain a high degree of independence while benefiting from the protection and international presence of the Netherlands.
How far is Aruba from the Netherlands?
Aruba is located approximately 7,800 kilometers (about 4,850 miles) from the Netherlands. Despite the vast distance, Aruba maintains strong ties with the Netherlands through cultural connections, legal frameworks, and shared governance. Direct flights between Aruba and the Netherlands make travel relatively convenient, fostering ongoing interaction between the two.
Why is Aruba part of the Netherlands?
Aruba's connection to the Netherlands dates back to the colonial era when the island was settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. Over the centuries, Aruba remained under Dutch control, eventually becoming part of the Netherlands Antilles. In 1986, Aruba chose to separate from the Netherlands Antilles but opted to remain a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This decision was driven by a desire from the people of Aruba for greater autonomy while still benefiting from the stability and support provided by the Dutch government. This blend of independence and connection to the Netherlands defines Aruba's unique status today, allowing the island to preserve its cultural heritage while also enjoying the benefits of being part of a larger, stable nation.

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