March 18, when Arubans celebrate their three-decade-long road to ‘Status Aparte’, is a day not to be missed. Since 1976, the national anthem Aruba Dushi Tera can be heard on this day across the island and is usually accompanied by the raising of the colourful national flag. Make sure to visit one of the sports tournaments such as the entertaining ‘Games Without Boundaries’, where friendly neighbours try to knock each other out with pillow fights, climb waxed poles or have sack races. The undisputable highlight is the song festival ‘Un Canto pa Aruba su Himno y Bandera’ on Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad. All kinds of food stalls complete the event and a genuine smile is the only admission fee.