His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Máxima, and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange will visit Aruba on January 30 and 31, 2023.
During these two days, the focus will be on San Nicolas and Oranjestad.
Program San Nicolas
On Monday, January 30, the Royal delegation and the Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt, and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Alexandra van Huffelen, will visit the district of San Nicolas to submerge themselves in the culture of San Nicolas.
Boy Ecury Tribute
Early in the afternoon, the schools in San Nicolas will have the opportunity to welcome the Royal delegation at 3:25 pm. At Filomena College Primary School and Filomena College Mavo, twill present the theatrical piece ‘Op Zoek naar Boy’, a collaboration with Colegio San Antonio, Filomena College, Muchila Creativo, Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba, MBO Media College Amsterdam, and Stichting Cultuurgeneratie. Together with this presentation, they will focus on the mural of Boy Ecury a tribute to the young hero killed on November 6, 1944.
Visit the Museum of Industry
From Filomena College, the Royal delegation will walk on the piazza of the Saint Theresita Church towards the Industrial Museum. Here they will be accompanied by the pupils of the primary school and artists under the direction of Mr. John Freddy Montoya and Mrs. Lupita Bernabela. At the Museum of Industry, the Aruban Museum Foundation will offer the Royal delegation explanation of the different economic developments in Aruba, as displayed throughout the museum.
San Nicolas Centre
From 4.15 pm, the Royal family will walk in the heart of San Nicolas to enjoy the different murals that decorate the buildings in the heart of San Nicolas. The last stop in San Nicolas is at the Nicolaas Store at 4:45 pm. Here the delegation watched see a show created by Mr. Freddy Tromp to showcase the talent of the Aruban youth.
Cultural program Oranjestad
On January 31, the Royal delegation will continue to experience the rich and diverse Aruban culture. This event takes place at the Plaza Padu and will culminate at Fort Zoutman for the Bon Bini Festival.
Plaza Padu
The Royal delegation will arrive at 7:00 pm at the Plaza Padu, where a group of children will welcome them. Hereafter there will go to a market with a diversity of artisans displaying their work like jewelry, Rum, home products, candles, sweets, and unique bags. Right after the market on the Plaza Padu, the Royal delegation will experience a spectacular production in the form of a dance and music show by well-known local artists. These include Chris Kross, Johnny Schaarbaai, Christopher Rudolfo, Denny Loefstop, Edjean Semeleer, Susjaira Kerpens, and ballerina Liselotte van Doorn.
Soon after follows a festive dance presentation by Club di Movimiento under the direction of Samantha Westera-Juppa, who will escort the Royal Family to the festivities at the Bon Bini Festival. The public can follow everything at the Bon Bini Festival through a live video feed displayed on a big screen located on the Plaza Padu.
Bon Bini Festival:
The festivities continue at the Bon Bini Festival at 7:20 pm with a thorough presentation of Aruba’s history and folklore. The Royal Visit will be conclude with a carnival parade and Brass Band that will accompany the Royal Family on their exit.
Special Invitation
The Royal Visit Commission is inviting the entire community to attend the festivities in San Nicolas and Oranjestad and be part of this Royal celebration. Come celebrate our island and diversity on January 30 and 31, 2022.
