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Wednesday 8 OctOber 2025 LOCAL
A10
Episode CCCXXIV- 324
Aruba and Venezuela: A Shared Heritage Beyond Borders
The narrative of Etnia Nativa (which means “Native and mainlanders persisted, sustaining
Ethnicity”) emphasizes the importance of preserving vibrant cross-water interactions. Aruba
became part of the Dutch West India
and reclaiming Aruba’s cultural identity and heritage.
Through this platform, it offers an authentic Indigenous Company (WIC) network, later evolv-
ing into a member of the Netherlands
perspective, educates the public, and encourages
readers to embrace the role of “island caretakers.” Antilles after World War II, and today
stands as an autonomous country
within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In this new episode, we explore a shared heritage that Venezuela, meanwhile, remained un-
transcends borders, linking Aruba and Venezuela.
der Spanish rule until achieving inde-
pendence in the 19th century.
Though our countries were colonized by different Eu-
ropean powers, their common Indigenous roots reach Due to its strategic location, Aruba Historical Footprints: From El Carrizal to
also became a stopover for European
as far as the mountains of Yaracuy. Tara Tara, Coro, and Adicora (Ricla in
In the past, contact with the mainland was a Caque- ships in route to the Venezuelan coast. the Papiamento language)
It played a key role in the Caribbean’s
tio family affair—ancestral ties and longstanding tribal One particularly significant example is
relationships laid the foundation for a deep, enduring maritime networks, further reinforcing El Carrizal, a town in Venezuela’s Fal-
its regional importance.
bond between the island and the continent. cón State. Established during the colo-
Historically, Aruba functioned both as a farming out- In the 20th century, ties between Aru- nial era as part of the Tara Tara com-
ba and Venezuela deepened signifi-
post and a key supplier, with Venezuela as its princi- plex, it was administered by Catholic
pal trading partner. Early interactions were shaped by cantly during Venezuela’s oil boom. priests who maintained strong ties with
Aruba became a critical hub for re-
the Spanish encomienda system, which linked both the native communities of Aruba.
regions through a common colonial experience. Their fining Venezuelan crude oil with the Historical records suggest that Caque-
establishment of the Lago Oil & Trans-
close proximity—just 27 kilometers apart—fostered tio nobles from Aruba— Oruba at that
strong maritime ties. On clear days, Santa Ana Hill in port Company in San Nicolás. This de- time—were invited to migrate to El
velopment fueled Aruba’s economic
Paraguaná, Venezuela, is visible from Aruba’s south- Carrizal to teach traditional crafts and
ern shores, a powerful reminder of their geographical growth and solidified a vital energy al- skills. This interregional migration fur-
liance between the two territories.
and historical closeness. ther deepened the cultural and spiri-
Trade expanded beyond oil to include tual bonds between the island and the
commodities, consumer goods, and mainland.
In those early days, sea routes were the only way to
reach Aruba, and continuous movement across the services—reinforcing a relationship of Check out our episode 240: “Tara
economic interdependence. But the
water helped preserve kinship ties. These intra-tribal Tara”, which stands as a powerful tes-
trade routes facilitated economic connections that connection between Aruba and Ven- tament to these enduring ties.
ezuela goes far deeper than econom-
became especially important during times of hard- If you enjoyed learning about our an-
ship—such as droughts, famine, crop failures, or hurri- ics. cestral stories and want to explore the
A continuous cultural exchange has
canes—when support from the mainland was crucial true identity of the Aruban people first-
for the island’s survival. helped shape a shared Caribbean hand, we invite you to visit Etnia Na-
identity—reflected in music, cuisine,
A new chapter began in the mid-17th century when tiva—the only “living museum” of its
Aruba was seized by the Dutch. Despite the shift in dance, traditional medicine, religion, kind in the Caribbean, reflecting the
and other forms of artistic and spiritual
colonial governance, trade between the islanders island’s rich mestizaje (cultural blend-
expression. ing).
Founded in 1994, Etnia Nativa’s creator
has been a cultural pioneer, co-found-
ing key institutions such as Aruba’s
National Park, the Archaeological Mu-
seum, several artisan foundations, and
other community-based initiatives.q
But Etnia Nativa isn’t just a place — it’s
a gateway. Quietly tucked away near
the high-rise hotels, this private resi-
dence also serves as a cultural sanc-
tuary, unknown to most tourists. And
that’s part of its magic. Intentionally
exclusive, it welcomes only those with
a genuine curiosity and a thirst for au-
thentic discovery.
Connect with the spirit and soul of Aru-
ba’s ancient heritage through a one-
of-a-kind experience.
WhatsApp: +297 592 2702 or
Email: etnianativa03@gmail.com
