Maybeline Arends Croes has many fond memories of her grandfather who played in one of the first folkloric music groups in Aruba called “Conhunto Folklorico Arubano”. Mo Tito, as he was affectionately known by everyone else, made the first recording of dande music, a new years tradition in Aruba which has existed for over 150 years. The name “dande” is thought to be derived from the word dandaré’’, which means going from one place to the other. After midnight on new year musical groups go from house to house to bring blessings and play songs of well-wishes to the families in Aruba.
“As a young child I heard his music every Sunday, so I grew up… hearing folkloric music.”
When people traveled to and from Aruba, they brought music with them, but they also brought instruments. Because of this, the musical tradition of Aruba incorporates influences and instruments from the surrounding region but also as far as Europe. During the first decades of the twentieth century many left the island to search for work in Cuba, Venezuela and Colombia. When they came back, they brought with them various musical influences. Similarly, in later decades many immigrated to the island to work in the refineries. The immigrants brought lively music and new instruments and the people on the island were receptive to these new rhythms. Music played an essential social role in creating harmony amongst these different people; it facilitated the friendships and cultural integration between the immigrants and Arubans. This vibrant cultural exchange is well preserved in Aruba’s musical traditions such as Dande.