Page 11 - aruba-today-20230411

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local Tuesday 11 april 2023
Easter on Aruba: A tradition of camping

ORANJESTAD—You may of traditions and routines than that, soup is a must,
notice during the first week when they go camping, chicken and rice (Arroz con
of April that there are a lot like the Ras family from pollo) is an Aruban favorite,
of trailers and tents parked Paradera. and for the kids, snacks like
right on the outskirts of pastechi (meat pies), kro-
beaches around the is- Before setting up camp, ket (croquettes), cheese
land. This is a long-stand- planning starts with pro- balls, and deviled eggs are
ing tradition during Easter curing (legal) documents. necessary to keep them full
weekend, where families These include camping and energized while they
and friends gather in large permits given by the Police play all day in the blazing other board games, or go sometimes hid golden eggs
groups and set up camp at Corps (KPA) and contracts sun. When camping with fishing with lines and nets. around the area, each
the beach. for toilet rentals. Do note extended family or friends, On Easter Sunday, the main holding big prizes, like a
that camping permits are usually everyone pitches in activity for everyone, and bottle of wine, money etc.
Camping week in Aruba especially important, be- with food and drinks. As the especially the children, is
stretches from April 2nd to cause the police are bound Ras family matriarch said: egg hunting. Besides this, families may
April 16th and may be noth- to patrol the camping ar- “There always someone in celebrate Easter weekend
ing like what you’re used to eas during the week. After the kitchen cooking some- The Ras family matriarch by walking the “Caminda
seeing. Though groups do obtaining a permit, groups thing up.” told our reporter the chil- di Cruz” (Sorrowful Way or
sleep in tents and spend assemble to look for and dren traditionally decorate Via Dolorosa) to the Alto
the entire week at their hold a spot at the beach. In terms of camp activities, their own eggs before these Vista Chapel located in
campsite, most sites have This is why you may notice these can also vary from are hidden around the the northern part of the is-
extra facilities. These facili- some chairs, traffic cones group to group, but one camping site. They make land or by going to the 3
ties include trailer-kitchens or even ropes stretching activity you will not miss sure to boil these eggs first, o’clock church sermon.
and portable toilets, mak- across the beaches on Sat- anywhere is dominos. Usu- so that no messy accidents Some groups that do not
ing camping much more urday or Sunday before ally, every camp site has happen when painting go to church but still want
comfortable—and per- camping week. one or two domino tables these. After the kids find to pay respect on Good
haps even more luxurious. ready for use, where the their eggs, they are usually Friday may hold a moment
Next on the list is planning men usually gather and cracked open and eaten. of silence when the clock
Though camping in itself is the menu. The Ras family play for hours. Other than But the fun of egg hunting strikes 3pm.
a general custom on the usually plans hot dogs and that, both children and is not exclusive to children;
island, each family/group burgers for Thursday, and adults play ‘Mens Erger adults may also participate And after two weeks of
may have their own set fish for Good Friday. Other Je Niet’ (Ludo), Bingo and too. For this, the Ras family camping, this tradition
comes to a close for the
rest of the year. Groups
deconstruct their sites and
leave the beach prem-
ises, excited for next Eas-
ter, where they can set up
camp again and enjoy the
feeling of community on
the beaches of Aruba.
As said before, camping
during Easter vacation is a
long-standing tradition for
the community of Aruba.
This is something that al-
most everyone on the is-
land grew up with, and it
remains a special occasion
that feels authentic and
our own! q