Student Holiday Traditions From Around the World
Aruba
Aaron Martes ’19, forensic psychology
From October to December, it’s not uncommon for Arubans, like Aaron Martes, to come across Aruba’s version of Christmas carolers. Known as Gaita, Aruban musicians adopted traditional Venezuelan Christmas music and made it their own with instruments that include bass, piano, timbal and congas.
“Gaita groups usually collect money, food, beverages and other gifts, and a portion of the collection is usually donated to charity,” Martes says.