Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2018 | Page 86
Dande Dance
There are many exciting traditions
circling through the island of
Aruba. Their culture and associated
celebrations are vibrant throughout
the year. One of the most powerful
traditions is the Dande dance, which
allows everyone to spread goodwill
to friends and neighbors.
flowers in their hair to look brighter
and bolder.
Each group of talented performers
contains about five to six dancers,
maybe more, and one singer.
They travel from house to house,
expressing well wishes and good
fortune to everyone they perform
This beautiful tradition happens
for. It’s more common for the
every year on New Year’s Eve. Many
performers to travel to the houses of
years ago, the tradition almost died
their friends and family during the
out, but a few strong-willed locals
celebration. The reason is that in the
weren’t about to let the citizens
songs each person is mentioned by
forget the rich history that goes
name. These performances are meant
along with the dance. The root of
to make the listeners feel loved and
this celebration reaches back to 1880, cherished, so who wouldn’t want
when King William the III declared
such a personalized touch?
for all slaves to be freed. This led
to open celebration and a long-
As the dancers dance gracefully, and
standing tradition of prosperity and the singer belts out a magnificent
happiness.
song, the host collects money in a
hat. This is to bring good luck to
Dande comes from the Papiamento
all the performers, as he or she will
word Dandara, meaning to revel,
share everything in the hat with
carouse, and have a good time.
the others. Sometimes, when the
No other Caribbean island has
performance at one house is done,
a tradition like this. Dande is an
the head of the household will offer
annual festival for all ages and
drinks. In current times, these drinks
generations. The locals that revived
are non-alcoholic, as there are more
this precious dance wanted to keep
people to celebrate with than in the
the historic stories and customs
past.
alive. Each generation must know
their history and enjoy the pleasures The group continues to perform at as
that come from it.
many houses as they can. They wish
to spread goodwill and prosperity
Every New Year’s Eve, the Arubans
to every household and celebrate all
set off magical fireworks across the
throughout the night. This is a time
island. Then, when midnight strikes, of happiness and connecting with
the champagne corks start popping
loved ones. Some regions in Aruba
and the island explodes with love
love this tradition so much that they
and laughter. Next, the traveling
have groups performing around the
singers and dancers start their
island on the second day of the year
journey to perform the dance. The
as well. The Dande dance is a crucial
traditional outfit worn is a light blue piece of Aruban culture, and they
dress lined with yellow and white.
cherish it with a strong passion in
Some of the ladies may even put
their hearts.
Photo Credit: Aruba Tourism Authority