About December 27th

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/about-december-27th/

Aruba Birdlife Calendars 2026 Now Available

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/aruba-birdlife-calendars-2026-now-available/

Some useful tips, on New Year’s Eve to guarantee good luck year round

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/some-useful-tips-on-new-years-eve-to-guarantee-good-luck-year-round/

Fundashon Stimami Sterilisami is deeply grateful for the continued support of One Love Foundation, including their recent generous donation of US$8,000. The donation will help Stimami Sterilisami continue with their national sterilization campaign, which has helped more than 46,000 sterilizations of dogs and cats since 2016. The donation made by One Love will be matched dollar for dollar by Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, making it another generous donor, and together they will cover the free sterilizations of both dogs and cats across Aruba.

One Love Foundation is based in the US, and its mission is to generate funds, raise awareness, and educate people about the critical need for animal welfare in Aruba. The foundation partnered with Stimami Sterilisami in December 2021, recognizing the importance of humane population control to reduce the number of stray animals and improve animal health and quality of life.

Since 2016, Stimami Sterilisami has subsidized almost 47,000 sterilizations. This effort not only helps reduce the number of stray animals, but also improves their health and quality of life. The continued success of this mission relies heavily on the support of generous donors such as One Love Foundation, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, the Aruba Tourism Authority, the Tourism Product Enhancement Fund, Setar N.V., and many others. Without their contributions, this vital work could not continue.

“We are profoundly grateful for the remarkable support from One Love Foundation, whose commitment to our cause has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Ewald Biemans, President of Stimami Sterilisami Foundation. “Although One Love Foundation is based in the United States, their love for our island and its animals shines through their actions, making a real and lasting impact in our community.”

Driven by passion and determination, One Love Foundation, Bucuti & Tara, and Stimami Sterilisami are committed to continuing their impactful work on animal welfare. Stay tuned as we will soon announce our first foam party fundraising event,  an incredible initiative that will bring the community together while supporting a meaningful cause. For more information, how to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit stimamisterilisami.com.

Stimami Sterilisami Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to humanely reducing the number of abandoned dogs and cats in Aruba through its island-wide spay and neuter program. The foundation uses 100% of donations to help cover the cost of sterilizations for individual pet owners and rescue organizations caring for stray animals. The organization’s financial books are open and audited regularly to ensure full transparency.

To contribute to this cause, donations can be made via bank transfer:

Aruban alternative band activemirror have released a new recording of “Scochi Bo Mama,” the beloved folk classic written by Vicente Kelly. The song was recorded and released with the blessing of the Kelly family and widow, Elvia Kelly, and is now available worldwide on all streaming platforms.

Originally written and performed by Vicente Kelly, “Scochi Bo Mama” contrasts the carefree innocence of childhood with the work, taxes and worry of adult life, while longing for the comfort of a mother’s care. activemirror’s version keeps the heart of the song while giving it a punk-driven edge.

Lead singer Liam Sean Kelly said:

“I think I always wanted to do this song. Our guitarist, Me’Shaq Richardson, and I recorded a version of it back in 2023 — we weren’t sure what we were going to do with it. We approached it like a ‘Sex Pistols covering Frank Sinatra’s My Way’ kind of thing.

“At the time, we questioned whether it made sense for us to cover a folk song, particularly while we were still navigating our relationship with the local music scene. It’s also a way of showing how music can be interpreted in multiple ways — that songs can live new lives without losing where they came from.”

The single was recorded, mixed and mastered by Kevin N. da Silva, who also produced the release alongside Kelly. The track was recorded at Alfie’s In Aruba, the band’s longtime creative home.

The release is accompanied by a music video directed and produced by Jason Yarzagaray of NPC Productions.

Used with permission. “Scochi Bo Mama” written by Vicente Kelly. All rights reserved by the original copyright holders.

ABOUT ACTIVEMIRROR

activemirror is an Aruban alternative and post-punk band whose music explores memory, identity and place through atmospheric songwriting and immersive live performances. The band represents Aruba on the international stage while contributing to the island’s growing original music community.

PRESS CONTACT

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FULL CREDITS

Recorded at: Alfie’s In Aruba

Spacy Island and Vibes Curated kick off the new year with MOONWAVES, a vibrant beachside event that brings together music, community, and purpose. Taking place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, this special event will raise funds for Stimami Sterilisami Foundation to support its animal welfare efforts across Aruba, inviting the public to enjoy an afternoon by the sea—dancing to great beats while giving back.

Hosted at Armando’s Kite Surf, MOONWAVES begins at 3:00 PM and is free and open to everyone. Guests can look forward to beachside energy, curated sounds, and a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors can connect around a meaningful cause.

The lineup features Aguilar, Petit, and Angeles, delivering an afternoon of music inspired by the ocean and the island’s dynamic energy. Throughout the event, rescue organizations will be there with informational materials, cute pups looking for their forever homes, and all donations will support Stimami Sterilisami spay and neuter efforts that help reduce Aruba’s stray animal population.

More than just a music event, MOONWAVES creates space for awareness, connection, and positive impact. Listen to the beats, dance, support a great cause, and bring that Spacy vibe energy as the community comes together to make a difference for Aruba’s animals.

Every donation made at MOONWAVES goes directly toward Stimami Sterilisami’s spay and neuter program, which has already helped sterilize more than 46,000 dogs and cats across Aruba. By preventing unwanted litters, this essential work addresses the root of stray overpopulation and helps reduce neglect, homelessness, and suffering.

Sterilization also eases pressure on animal shelters and public resources, while contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more compassionate community for both people and animals. This impact is made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community support.

By joining MOONWAVES, you’re not only enjoying an afternoon of music and beach vibes—you’re adding your own “grain of sand” toward a kinder island and a better future for Aruba’s animals.

We look forward to seeing you there.

About Stimami Sterilisami Foundation

Stimami Sterilisami is a non-profit organization dedicated to humanely and effectively reducing the number of abandoned dogs and cats in Aruba through its national spay and neuter program. Every donation is used to cover the costs of spaying and neutering of dogs and cats for individual pet owners and rescue organizations, including Luna Foundation, AWAA, Nine Lives, and many others. Our books are audited and open to the public. To contribute to this important cause, you can make a direct contribution to Stimami Sterilisami Foundation via bank transfer:

This morning I unwrapped the 2026 Aruba Bank calendar and placed it on the kitchen counter. Out with the old, in with the new,

Champaign is chilling.

Plans for the afternoon are made, with the Wind Creek pagara as opening statement. While I run away from the smoke and the noise the ambiente is irresistible — I am conflicted.

Buleria at the Renaissance Marketplace, then an inspection of main street’s Ban Caya.

Today is one of the best loved days of the year.

On the wings of Saca Fucu, this is what I learned over the years: Most of the rituals and traditions revolve around sweet smelling perfumes and incense that symbolize cleanliness, purity, prosperity, and eternal good luck. The removal of bad luck, Saca Fucu, symbolized in dirt and bad smells and the bringing in of good luck is a serious occupation on New Year’s Eve.

Are you ready, some of the dos and don’ts in life, and on New Year’s Eve in particular, according to local superstitions and old beliefs:

Compiled by Robbert G. Croes.