Betico Croes’ Birthday

Gilberto François “Betico” Croes was an Aruban political activist who advocated for Aruba’s separation from the Netherlands Antilles. He helped Aruba gain a new autonomous status away from the Netherlands Antilles and this allowed Aruba to function as a commonwealth of the Dutch Kingdom.

The holiday that celebrates his birth in 1938 is a public one that’s observed every January 25th in Aruba. Because it’s a public holiday, people are given the day off and many businesses, schools, and government institutions are closed for the day. Betico Croes’ Birthday is also a day that’s celebrated with a variety of different festivities, many of which that occur at Plaza Betico in Oranjestad — the capital of Aruba.

The History Of Betico Croes’ Birthday

Gilberto François “Betico” Croes was born on January 25th, 1938 in Santa Cruz, Aruba. When he finished with his high school education he would travel to the Netherlands to learn at the Teachers’ Training College in Hilversum, North-Holland. In 1959, he would receive his headmaster certificate.

He would go on to participate in his first Aruban island council in 1967 and would found the People’s Electoral Movement political party. In 1976, he would be responsible for the flag, national anthem, and seal of Aruba. The following year, he organized a referendum for the independence of Aruba.

On December 31st, 1985, he would become involved in an auto accident and would lapse into a coma. On November 26th, 1986, he would die in a nursing center in Utrecht, Netherlands. It’s estimated that over 40,000 people attended his funeral, which was remarkable considering that Aruba at the time had an estimated population of only 65,000 people.

Observing Betico Croes’ Birthday

Most of the celebrations that take place on this day are held in the capital of Aruba, at Plaza Betico. These can include cultural events, concerts, sporting events, and other such activities. Of course, smaller celebrations are also held across Aruba, so everyone has an opportunity to celebrate this day. It’s also a non-working day for most people, and many establishments are closed for the day or are operating on a holiday schedule.

Where is it celebrated?
Aruba (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2023)
January 25 Wednesday
Next year (2024)
January 25 Thursday
Last year (2022)
January 25 Tuesday