Papiamento 22 years as an official language—our identity, our pride
ORANJESTAD— On May 21, Aruba celebrates a historic moment in its cultural and national development, namely, the 22nd anniversary of the officialization of our Papiamento language.
Today, in 2003, the government of Aruba took a transcendental step to recognize Papiamento as an official language alongside Dutch. A step that formalized what our people have always felt: that Papiamento is our soul, our voice, our heritage, and our union.
From the moment the law came into force, Papiamento has achieved the place it deserves in our laws. But its most significant value lives in our daily lives: how we speak, write, sing, study, and tell our history. Papiamento is the language that binds us together regardless of our origins, generation, race, or religion.
The Department of Culture (DCA)—as a pillar for the promotion of cultural expression and national identity—reaffirms its firm commitment to protect, stimulate, and develop our native language. DCA works tirelessly to give Papiamento a central role in all cultural activities, in the arts, in education, and in public communication.
We call on the entire Aruban community—parents, children, educators, private sector, and all those who have chosen Aruba as their home—to honor the language that characterizes our people. Speak Papiamento, write in Papiamento, and explain its value for ourselves and tomorrow's generations.
Papiamento is not simply an instrument of communication. It is a symbol of resistance, creativity, and national unity. In his language, we sing our anthem, express our faith, and show our love for the island we call home.
Congratulations, Aruba, Papiamento, soul of Aruba! Let us continue to honor you, stimulate your use, and protect you forever, because you are the most precious treasure of our people, our root, our voice, and our identity.
