The cultural festivities in Aruba are often linked to it's history and background, although some Aruba's music and culture ceremonies are derived from other Caribbean islands. The music you'll hear in hotels and at many of the festivals is calypso, soca, or reggea, often accompanied by the haunting timbre of steel bands. One good way to experience Aruban culture, particulary for the kids, is to visit the weekly Bon Bini Festival that takes place at Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad. The small cultural show, featuring music, dance and cotumes, as well as sampling of the local foods, is held on Tuesday evening. In San Nicolas, a street festival called San Nifete is held on Main St. every Friday evening, featuring music, a talent show, and local crafts and foods. Aruba features a great variety of local musicians that have evolved into world-class disco acts. You’ll find them playing in concert halls, nightclubs or in the fanciest hotels and restaurants with live entertainment, as well as in Aruba’s theaters. Some cases in point are Ivan E. Jansen, Nico Connor, The Guadirikiri, Band among others. An exceptionally talented idol of Aruba’s music is the well-known Caribbean Padú. This many-sided songwriter, pianist, writer and painter has put the music made on the Netherlands Antilles on the map for over half a century through his highly danceable beat sounds and recordings.
