FOLKLORE & TRADITIONS

Aruba has a mélange of people from the South American and European continents, also from the Far East and other islands of the Caribbean. These different settlers have added a unique flavor to the lives of the inhabitants of the island.

When you drive about the island you will see housewives sweeping their dirt yards. This is to keep the yards clear from insects that may enter their homes. A tradition maintained from early Indian custom.

Some Arubans believe that it is necessary to go out the same door one entered.

Still a mystery is the fact that if one wanted to get rid of an unwanted guest is to stand a straw broom upside down against an outside wall. Apparently this truly works.

A red ribbon suspended over a doorway protects the house or place of business from evil Spirits. Newborns and small children wear a chain with a red and black seed which is thought to keep the “evil eye” away.

The gel of the aloe plant is well known for healing burns and cuts. A traditional and regularly used plant brewed into tea for stomach aches is made from black sage called Basora pretu (black broom) and has the medicinal properties used by pharamaceutical companies in pill or liquid form.