Courtesy of: The Morning News
By: Rosalie Klein
ORANJESTAD — Aruba is preparing to celebrate the day dedicated to their “Liberador,” Gilberto Francois, “Betico” Croes, this coming Saturday, January 25. The national holiday is conducted on his birth date. He was the principal instrument of establishing island pride and symbols, such as the Aruban flag and national anthem, as well as the chief negotiator of Aruban Independence, or “Status Aparte,” from the other five islands of the Netherlands Antilles.
G.F. “Betico” Croes died in November of 1986, after being gravely injured in a car accident on December 31, 1985, on the eve of Aruba becoming an independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Each year, island and visiting dignitaries pay homage to his memory with an official ceremony conducted at the Plaza G.F. Betico Croes, located behind the Cas di Cultura on the eastern end of L.G. Smih Boulevard. All the public is encouraged to attend this solemn ceremony, this Saturday, January 25, beginning at 5:00 PM. Floral wreaths will be placed at the base of his statue by representatives of parliament, the government, the Croes Family and the Croes Foundation.
Addressing the gathering this year will be Prime Minister Mike Eman and the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Primary Sector and Culture, Otmar Oduber. Following a brief musical performance, events will move to the primary stage of the plaza.
As is custom a cultural evening will follow, with musical and dance performances by several island singers, bands and dance groups, both folkloric and modern. The bands Youth Xtreme and famed island vocalist Claudius Phillips and his band will provide a rousing end to the evening. Several booths will occupy the plaza selling typical island snacks and refreshments, as well as souvenir gifts and original artwork and handicrafts.
Traditionally, Dia di Betico is a day when all island museums are open without charge, and numerous activities are conducted throughout the day at several of the community centers. Centro di Bario Playa Pabao is known for its annual holiday bicycle rally, now attracting nearly 200 enthusiastic bikers of all ages making the run from the center, on the western outskirts of Oranjestad, through back roads to Arashi, north of Palm Beach and back again. It takes about 3 hours and begins at 9:00 AM. All are welcome.
The Aruba Historical Museum, located in Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad will be unveiling a new exhibit called ” XPO 1880” on Friday evening for invited guests, and it will be on display to the public on Saturday. It is based on family heirlooms passed down through generations, with the new young generation of Arubans invited to relate and imaginatively embellish the stories about these beloved objects, which have been passed down through the years.
Minister Oduber was present for the announcement by the planning committee of the upcoming events, and mentioned that this year’s Dia di Betico will also incorporate elements of Carnival, as the holiday always takes place in the midst of carnival season. The Sunday afternoon following Dia di Betico, the Balloon Parade, one of the most colorful and charming on the Carnival roster, will take place in San Nicolas.
