Page 14 - ARUBA TODAY

A14 LOCAL
Thursday 19 december 2019

Culture for Christmas

Continued from Page 13 Croes took the initiative of
organizing a Dande Festi-
A group of five or some- val considering the declin-
times even six people (one ing popularity of the Dande
singer accompanied by and also with the hope of
numerous musicians) usu- preserving the one unique
ally performs the most cultural heritage tradition
known Aruban end of the of the island. Originally
year tradition. These peo- the Dande Festival was for
ple, usually family mem- adults only, but 12 years
bers accompany a singer ago Commission Promove
and travel door-to-door to Cultura organized the first
express their best wishes festival for children and
for the New Year in repeti- teenagers. Now, this festival
tive phrases (blessings), is very popular and many
with a chorus that includes tipico’s “local bands” and
the phrase "ay nobe" (aña performers compete every
nobo) – "new year" – sung year to receive the ultimate
after each blessing. Cur- prize, becoming the Dande
rently, the celebratory trav- King or Queen. It is consid- culture loving people trav- acted with, without a ve- examples by communities
el usually leads to the hous- ered a big honor each year el to numerous countries hicle for the culture”. UNES- and governments of the
es of the singers' friends as children, young adults just to visit these sites. In- CO divides the list into three protection and recognition
and family, where the sing- and adults participate and tangible Cultural Heritage different categories: 1. The of intangible cultural heri-
er collects money in his hat help the Aruban tradition (ICH) is a program initiated representative list compris- tage. Practices that can
to give to the group. Tradi- stay alive. in 2001 by UNESCO to rec- es cultural "practices and be accepted within these
tionally the removal of the ognize and protect various expressions that help dem- categories include: Oral
singer’s hat is considered UNESCO World Heritage List cultures and practices that, onstrate the diversity of this traditions and expressions,
a sign of respect he/she vs. Intangible Cultural Heri- unlike items on the UNESCO heritage and raise aware- including language as a
is expressing to the family tage World Heritage List, cannot ness about its importance"; vehicle of the intangible
and person they are sing- UNESCO is internationally be touched. Therefore, In- 2. The safeguarding list is cultural heritage; Perform-
ing to and blessing. Instead known for their World Heri- tangible cultural heritage composed of cultural ele- ing arts; Social practices,
of money, back in the day, tage List of Tangible heri- “includes song, music, dra- ments that are threatened rituals and festive events;
the singer would receive tage sites all over the world. ma, skills, crafts, and the and in need of urgent Knowledge and practices
food (for example pan du- These sites include land- other parts of culture that measures to keep them concerning nature and the
shi “sweet bread”) in their marks, buildings, and other can be recorded but can- alive; 3. The best practice universe; and Traditional
hat as a token of gratitude tangible artifacts. Many not be touched and inter- list is comprised of the best craftsmanship. The hope
for their long trip. The singer remains that Aruba and all
starts by blessing the head relevant Aruban Civil Soci-
of the house and then one ety Organizations (CSOs)
by one passes to every per- help safeguard the Dande
son present. Besides visiting tradition internationally.
local houses on New Year’s
Eve and the day after, Next year, further discussion
the Dande tradition is very will be provided on the top-
popular on the last work- ic on ICH and how Aruba
ing day of the year. Local can be part of the world’s
businesses invite a Dande biggest cultural safeguard-
group to come and bless ing community. But, in the
their workers and the com- spirits of Christmas, the Cre-
pany as the New Year ap- ative Islander would like to
proaches. extend its best holiday wish-
es to you and your entire
This tradition is so prominent family during the Christmas
in the Aruban culture that season. The gift of love. The
a festival was organized gift of peace. The gift of
four decades ago to pre- happiness. May all these
serve this cultural tradition be yours at Christmas and
for the future in a form of a throughout the New Year.
competition. In 1973 Harry Till next year!q

Biography - Thaïs G. Franken (24) is a recently graduated Aruban student at the University of Maastricht
(UM). She obtained her graduate double master of science degree in Public Policy and Human Develop-
ment in collaboration with the United Nations University Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute
on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba, she completed
her Bachelor of Arts in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA),
where she successfully defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aru-
ban Sustainable Development”. It was precisely this research project that inspired the emergence of the
“Creative Islander” column in 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability, innovation,
culture, creativity, social entrepreneurship and their role in public management. Next to her academic in-
terests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and cooking.