News & Updates

VIBRACION CULTURAL

New cultural festival series launches with a Music Festival at Centro di Bario Noord

CEDE ARUBA, in collaboration with ATA (Aruba Tourism Authority), proudly presents VIBRACION CULTURAL, a brand-new cultural festival series designed to celebrate and strengthen community life through recurring events that spotlight Aruba’s rich artistic and cultural diversity.  

While VIBRACION CULTURAL will explore a variety of cultural themes throughout its editions, from traditional festivals to culinary arts and local heritage, the very first installment begins with a two-night Local Music Festival on June 20 & 21 at Centro di Bario Noord. 

 According to CEDE ARUBA’s Director, Daniel Tecklenborg:  

 “VIBRACION CULTURAL is more than just an entertaining stage — it’s a dynamic platform that amplifies the heartbeat of our neighborhoods. Through music, arts, and culture, this series gives communities the space to share their “stories", traditions, and creativity. Each edition brings something different, and we’re proud to kick off with the vibrant rhythm of our local musicians.”

VIBRACION CULTURAL, Volume 1 showcases eight emerging local artists performing their original composed music. The event is also the final presentation of another project developed by CEDE ARUBA, supported by Fonds voor Podiumkunsten, in collaboration with UNOCA and producer Michael Lampe. The initiative supports local producers and artists in creating original music, with the aim of propelling talent toward regional and even international stages. Free and open to the public, the event also features local food stalls, artisan vendors, and a lively bar, all designed to bring the neighborhood together.   

Artist Lineup   

On Friday, June 20, the festival will feature: 

7:15PM Sendy Loefstop, bringing fresh Pop alternative and Indie vibes 

Producer: Ivan Quandus 

8:15PM BandiLama, mixing Rock, Ska, and Reggae 

Producer: Jeremy Bonarriba

9:15PM ActiveMirror, an Indie/alternative rock band  

Producer: Amal Farhat-Kasouf  

10:15PM Jralph, delivering a blend of Caribbean fusion, Afro, and Latin sounds  

Producer: Jralph 

On Saturday, June 21, the stage continues with:

7:15PM Jeanior Goeloe, presenting new Urban music with a local edge 

Producer: Rygel Isabella 

8:15PM Lightskin Rasta, with Caribbean club and Urban beats 

Producer: Fellow 

9:15PM Ataniro, serving up Caribbean Urban club sounds 

Producer: Fellow 

10:15PM Suhcy ft. Casper representing Love & Soca 

Producer: Nigel Hoek

Reviving spaces, strengthening community

Centro di Bario Noord was selected as the venue for this first event as part of CEDE ARUBA’s broader mission to revitalize neighborhood centers. These community spaces are being reimagined as active hubs for creativity, expression, and social connection. With the new partnership with ATA, VIBRACION CULTURAL is set to become a recurring event that honors culture while building bridges between locals, tourists, talents, initiatives and places.

Event information

* Free Entrance (doors open 6:30 PM)

* Location: Centro di Bario Noord 

* Date: June 20 & 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Live music • Local food • Artisan market 

Great vibes Come celebrate the launch of VIBRACION CULTURAL and enjoy two unforgettable nights of music, connection, and community. 

Four Months of Volunteering, a Lifetime of Memories

An ESC volunteer reflects on community, culture, and growth in Aruba.

In this blog, ESC volunteer Nikola Jovanovski reflects on his journey in Aruba through EU HUB – one of CEDE ARUBA’s programs that connects local and international youth to community impact opportunities.

Together with volunteers from Macedonia, Germany, and Greece, Nikola contributed to a wide range of local initiatives — from planting fruit trees and working in nursing homes to organizing international youth trainings. The experience blended meaningful work with cultural exchange, including Aruba’s vibrant Carnival and the island’s natural beauty.

Read the full article here

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CEDE ARUBA and ATA Launch Strategic Partnership 

Strengthening Community Involvement

CEDE ARUBA is proud to announce a new strategic collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) — a shared commitment to give back to the Aruban community and create meaningful ways for both locals and visitors to connect with and support social impact.

This two-year partnership is rooted in mutual values of community well-being, youth empowerment, and inclusive tourism. 

With a dedicated investment of AWG. 250,000 annually, the collaboration aims to strengthen the link between Aruba’s thriving tourism industry and the communities that make the island so special.

The agreement focuses on four main pillars:

Volunteerism

Expanding and upgrading volunteer opportunities through platforms like Aruba Volunteers, making it easier for residents and even tourists to contribute their time and skills to local causes.

Youth Development

Launching a series of after-school programs for young people across the island, creating safe, educational, and inspiring spaces for growth. Over the next two years, at least 10 youth programs will be supported, reaching a minimum of 200 participants.

Neighborhood Events

Organizing a minimum of four community-based events that celebrate local culture, art, food, and traditions, bringing residents and visitors closer together through shared experiences.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Giving Back

Relaunching the ‘Happy to Give Back’ program, giving visitors the opportunity to donate and support local initiatives during their stay. This includes exploring ways for tourists to engage in meaningful volunteer work or support local causes.

This partnership builds on existing efforts by CEDE ARUBA in collaboration with local NGOs, Centro di Barios, and other stakeholders working daily to empower citizens and improve quality of life. CEDE’s Director, Daniel Tecklenborg, emphasized that this collaboration will allow both organizations to amplify impact by connecting tourism more intentionally with Aruba’s social fabric.

ATA CEO Ronella Croes echoed this vision, highlighting the importance of aligning with trusted partners like CEDE to implement ATA’s broader corporate and sustainability goals.

“Tourism is one of our strongest pillars — now we want to make sure it also uplifts and supports the very communities that make Aruba feel like home,” Croes shared.

This agreement reflects a powerful step toward inclusive growth, one where everyone has a role in shaping Aruba’s future.

Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer drives, youth initiatives, and community events powered by this exciting collaboration.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or visit our volunteer portal via www.arubavolunteers.org.

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LET’S ACT: A €1 Million Boost for Cultural Participation in Aruba & Sint Maarten

Empowering Artists & Strengthening Creative Communities

Oranjestad/Utrecht – 2025 – CEDE ARUBA and Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie (FCP) have launched LET’S ACT, a groundbreaking €1 million initiative supporting cultural and social participation in Aruba and Sint Maarten.

With a focus on fair pay for artists, increased accessibility to arts and culture, and capacity-building programs, LET’S ACT will fund over 50 cultural organizations, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity in the creative sector.

“LET’S ACT strengthens the bond between the cultural and social sectors in our islands,” said Daniel Tecklenborg, Director of CEDE ARUBA. The program will roll out in March 2025, offering funding, mentorship, and professional development for artists and organizations.