Year Round every Tuesday - Bonbini Festival. At Fort Zoutman from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Arts, crafts, dance, folk music and local food and beverages.

Year Round every Thursday - Caribbean Festival. At Main Street of San Nicolas.  Phone 297-823777 for info.

January 1 - New Year's Day. Official holiday complete with midnight fireworks. The "Dande" (groups of musicians) stroll from house to house singing good luck greeting for the new year.

January/February or February/March - Carnival. During the month before Lent, the entire island participates in street parades with colorful costumes and floats, music, dancing, contests and the election of the Carnival Queen. The main parade, called the "Grand Parade" is an all day celebration that takes place in the streets of Oranjestad on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The last event of Carnival is the "Old Mask Parade" and the ceremonial burning of King Momo (a symbol of the flesh), which traditionally must take place before midnight on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

January 25 - Official Holiday of the Memory of G.F. "Betico" Croes. Celebrates the Aruban political leader who attained "Status Aparte" from Holland, introduced Aruba's own currency, and established Aruba's national athem and flag.

March - National Drag Races. A four-day event at San Nicolas' Palo Marga Racetrack. For information, call the Aruba Racing Association at (297) 584-1315.

March 15 - National Anthem and Flag Day. Official holiday at the Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad featuring the display of flags, national music and folklore events.

March/April - Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official holidays.

April - Aruba Bartender's Contest. Annual contest for Aruba bartenders to select a new "One Cool Summer" cocktail.

April - National Horse Fair. A three day international competition with Pasofino Horses at the Rancho El Paso.

April 30 - Queen's Day. Official holiday honoring Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, with ceremonies, parades, and national sporting and musical events.

April 30 - Summer Jam. Annual event at Palm Beach, Noord which kicks of the "One Cool Summer" program with carnival parades, bands, folk groups and traditional Aruban cuisine.

May through October - One Cool Summer. Summertime festivities including concerts, street art galleries, the annual windsurfing competition and other cultural, musical, culinary, and sporting events.

May 1 - Labor Day. Official holiday.

June - Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge. Amateur windsurfers from 30 countries compete for the Hi-Winds title and over $60,000 in prizes. The event is open to amateurs of all ages and skill levels. Contact Julie Renfro at (297) 582-3777 for details.

June - Windsurfing Festival. The Caribbean's first windsurfing festival and trade show. Manufacturer's display the latest in windsurfing gear for festival-goers to demo in Aruban waters. The festival also includes live island music and a food festival on the beach. Call the ATA at (297) 582-3777 for details.

June 24 - St. John's Day (Dera Gai). A folklore celebration with dance and music.

August - Aruba World Youth Festival. 20 countries on 3 continents send their youth delegation to participate in cultural exchange, and competitions in sports, education and music.

September - ATP Aruba Open. Men's professional tennis tournament that begins after the U.S. Open.

October - Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament. Annual championship event held at the Aruba Nautical Club. Call (297) 585-3022 for details.

November - Catamaran Regatta. Annual event where catamarans from North America, South America and Europe compete on Palm Beach.

December 5 - Sint Nicolas Day. Celebrates the birth of Sint Nicolas, who traditionally arrives at Paartenbaii Harbor just before his birthday to greet the children of Aruba and to reward the children with gifts for their good behavior throughout the year.

December 25 - Christmas. Official holiday.

December 26 - Boxing Day. Official holiday.

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