Activities for the end of 2007

New and improved activities and attractions, incredible music festivals, thrilling sporting events, unique volunteer programs, spectacular gaming extravaganzas, major tourism industry conferences and much more are taking place this year in Aruba. “The island is again offering travelers an extremely comprehensive calendar of events designed to meet the needs of our diverse travelers,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edison Briesen. “In 2007, the island will finalize major investments and expansions to the tourism sector. These developments will reinforce the quality of travel offerings and enhance travelers’ experiences while they are on island.”

Future 2007 events include:

August 23 - 27 – 12th Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Professional and amateur golfers team up in a two-day, 36-hole tournament featuring gifts, prizes and special events.

September 25 - October 2 – UlitmateBet.com Aruba Poker Classic and Blackjack Tournament.
A no limit Texas Hold'em Poker and Blackjack tournament brings together sun seekers and card-sharks from all over the world will to compete for millions of dollars. Prior celebrity participants have included Ben Affleck and Jennifer Tilly.

November 2 - 4 – Aruba Beach Tennis International Championships
Aruba is among the first to host an international beach tennis tournament and the island was the birthplace of the sport.

November 4 - 12 – 17th Annual International Catamaran Regatta
This annual regatta decorates Aruba’s turquoise waters with vivid catamaran sails from Europe and North and South America.

Happy Birthday Padu

Juan Chabaya “Padu del Caribe” Lampe recently celebated his 87th birthday. Considered to be the father of Aruba’s culture, Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Aruba’s legendary composer, writer, artist, philosopher, and musician who co-composed the national anthem among many other works.

Aruba Donkey Sanctuary Anniversary

Due to donations and the efforts of dedicated volunteers, Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Aruba’s largest animals are a tough breed but intervention has become necessary for their survival due to increased island development.
A five-minute drive from the Ayo rock formation, the sanctuary that began with only 13 donkeys now maintains, feeds and provides medical care to dozens of these harmless animals in a protected environment. It provides a guest-friendly, fun environment in which to tour, interact with the donkeys, stop for a snack, and buy original, donkey-themed gifts and souvenirs. (All profits go to support foundation efforts). You can even adopt your own donkey! The Donkey Sanctuary is open weekdays from 9 am – 12:30 pm and weekends from 10 am – 3pm. Tel 585-1063 / 568 4091/ cell 965 6986. For more information, visit www.arubandonkey.org.

Aruba Turtle Nesting Season Just Started

Aruba’s turtle nesting season extends from May to August. During this time, Turtugaruba, the local foundation for the protection of the sea turtles, sets up red-and-white barriers around nesting areas to prevent drivers from crushing the eggs and to guarantee a safe incubation period of two months.All species of sea turtles are endangered and need protection. To do so, you are asked not to drive on beaches, litter, or use flashlights or flash photography at night. If you see any nesting turtles, please stay away and don’t disturb them. You can help by calling the Turtugaruba 24-hour Hotline (964-9138) or by notifying your hotel front desk if you witness a sea turtle making its nest or see turtle crawl marks