The narrative of Etnia Nativa—which means Native Ethnicity—highlights the importance of recovering and preserving Aruba’s cultural identity and heritage. Through this platform, we share an authentic native perspective, educate the public, and inspire readers to adopt a mindset of being an “island caretaker.”
In this episode, we explore the origin and significance of Halloween, a word meaning ‘All Saints’ Eve.’ Despite its global popularity, not all countries celebrates this holiday of costumes, candy, and scares, as cultural, religious, and political factors often influence whether—and how—it is observed.
Halloween is believed to have its roots in both Christian traditions and ancient pagan practices. However, in some countries—such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Malaysia—it is considered incompatible with Islamic culture. While these nations prioritize their own religious and family celebrations, in places like Australia, Argentina, and other parts of the world, Halloween has not become deeply ingrained. In contrast, other countries have gradually adopted the holiday. This is the case on our island, where Halloween was not originally part of local customs but arrived with the Lago refinery and was later integrated into the tourism system, primarily to cater to American visitors.
In recent years, Halloween has become increasingly popular in Aruba, driven primarily by commercial interests.
The first inhabitants of Aruba were animists, practicing a spiritual formof worship believing that everything could harbour a soul or spirit for good or for bad. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, the natives adopted Christianity in order to keep their freedom and abduction away. Catholicism became so deeply rooted that a large percentage of the population remains Catholic today, despite Roman Catholicism having been banned after the arrival of the Dutch (see episode 212, ‘Building Aruban Education’).
Until the late 1970s, it was very common to see Aruban women wearing fine lace mantillas adorned with intricate designs, a striking symbol of the island’s enduring Catholic heritage.
Overall, Aruba’s religious history reflects a combination of Spanish and Dutch influence, alongside the persistence of Catholic priests from the mainland who maintained regular contact with the localAmerindian population despite official prohibitions (see episode 257, ‘The Holy Cross of Santa Cruz’).
Modern Halloween customs are believed to have been influenced by the folk traditions and beliefs of Celtic-speaking peoples, many of whom practiced their own animistic religions often referred to as old or pagan religion. The holiday began spreading to America becoming official for a few congregations after 1916, when Anglican settlers in the American South and Catholics in Maryland incorporated Halloween into their religious calendars. However, Puritans in New England strongly opposed the celebration, and historical almanacs suggest that Halloween was not yet widely observed across the country.
The word ‘Halloween’ comes from ‘All Hallows’ Eve,’ meaning the eve of All Saints’ Day on November 1, followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2. Both holidays hold deep significance for the Catholic Church, emphasizing remembrance and spirituality. In Mexico, for example, these traditions are celebrated as a living culture and a tribute to the deceased.
Since the time of the early Church, major Christian holidays—such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost—were preceded by vigils the night before, as was All Saints’ Day. These three days are collectively known as Allhallowtide (all-hallow-tide), a period during which Western Christians honor all the saints and pray for the souls of the recently deceased who have not yet reached Heaven.
Explore Aruba’s Roots at Etnia Nativa
If you’ve enjoyed discovering our ancestral stories and want to delve deeper into the true identity of the Aruban people, we invite you to experience Etnia Nativa—the Caribbean’s only “living museum” of its kind, celebrating the island’s rich mestizaje (cultural blending).
Founded in 1994, Etnia Nativa has been a cultural pioneer—co-founding Aruba’s National Park, the Archaeological Museum, artisan foundations, and several grassroots initiatives dedicated to heritage and conservation.
But Etnia Nativa is more than a place—it’s a gateway. Quietly tucked away near the high-rise hotels, this private residence is a cultural sanctuary few tourists ever find. And that’s precisely its magic. Intentionally intimate and off the beaten path, it welcomes only those with a genuine curiosity and a thirst for authentic discovery.
Connect with the spirit and soul of Aruba’s ancient heritage through a one-of-a-kind experience unlike anything else on the island. Whats App+297 592 2702 etnianativa03@gmail.com
