Forty years of Status Aparte is a major milestone, and Aruba is coming together to celebrate at the MEP party headquarters. The national celebration will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when the party commemorates Betico Croes Day, together with the historic celebration of 40 years of Aruba’s Status Aparte.
According to Hendrik Tevreden, this celebration is not merely a date on the calendar, but a moment of reflection, pride, and reconnection with Aruba’s history and identity as a people.
“Betico Croes did not fight only for Status Aparte,” Tevreden stated. “He fought for dignity, autonomy, and for a future in which the Aruban people determine their own destiny. Today, 40 years later, we have a moral obligation to honor that legacy and continue to defend the freedom that was achieved through great sacrifice.”
For this reason, Betico Day will be celebrated in a special way this year, with a large community event at the MEP headquarters, open to the entire Aruban community. Activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Program highlights include:
- Early morning coffee gathering with barrel organ music
- Mini soccer tournament
- Domino tournament
- 16 tents featuring traditional cuisine – a food festival with flavors for everyone
- Audiovisual exhibition: Betico, Status Aparte, and 54 years of the MEP Party
- Dino Jump for children
- Cultural program from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- T-shirt sales
At 7:00 p.m., the raffle drawing will take place, featuring a grand prize of 10,000 florins in cash.
The evening will conclude with live music and entertainment by the bands Duro and Tsunami.
“This day is a day for families, for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate in unity,” Tevreden added. “A day to celebrate, share, remember, and renew our commitment to Aruba.”
The MEP extends a warm invitation to the entire community to visit the MEP headquarters on January 25, 2026, and celebrate Betico Day together in grand style. It will be a historic day, a day of pride, and a day for the people.