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a8 local
Monday 1 deceMber 2025
Ever heard of the cah’i orgel? A key instrument in Aruban folklore music

(Oranjestad)— The cah’i or- simeto. Back in Curacao, contains a cylinder with a
gel music box is an impor- he started his own cah’i maximum of eight music
tant and unique instrument orgel business along with pieces. By rotating the lever
that is used on the ABC is- his brother Luis. In Aruba, it on the front side of the box,
lands in the Dutch Carib- is said that the cah’i orgel the cah’i orgel produces
bean. This instrument is a was introduced by Rufo music similar to that of a pi-
staple in our folklore music, Wever, who later in his ca- ano, and is accompanied
and its significance in the reer became one of the often by someone else
traditions of Aruba has and composers for the Aruban playing the “wiri”, a percus-
continues to bring together national anthem. sion instrument made out
the old and young. of steel and reminiscent
Rufo Wever was a young to the Spanish guiro. Back
The origin of the cah’i or- musician in 1937 when he then, you would often also
gel is said to have come established his own cah’i find someone playing the
from Europe around 150 orgel business on the island. triangle alongside the cah’i
years ago. A cross breed Before that he experiment- orgel and wiri. In Aruba, the
between the barrel piano ed with his uncle’s cah’i or- cah’i orgel and wiri is used
and the organ, the most gel, and he over the years for traditional music genres,
popular stories said that the he learned to build and re- such as the Aruban waltz,
instrument came from ei- pair the instrument. In fact, tumba, mazurka and more.
ther England or Germany, he was incredibly skilled in
but made its way to Italy this, and he was one of the Fun fact: another name for
down to Venezuela, where few to have recognized the cah’i orgel is the “tin-
in 1881, Mr. Horatio Sprock from the start that the cah’i gilingi box.”
(1866-1949) from Curacao orgel is an instrument that
was first introduced to it. needs preserving. Source: “E Cilinder Magico
After that, Sprock made his entre Aruba y Curaçao” by
Marilyn Alcalá-Wallé, Herta
own cah’i orgel “Josefina”, As mentioned, the cah’i Parabirsing-Balentina and Ni-
and successfully debuted orgel is a music box. Made dia Rosaria-Wallé.
it on the streets of Barqui- from mahogany wood, it

A guide for the perfect picture:
Where to find the most Instagrammable places in Aruba

(Oranjestad)—Imagine, you’re out and about Wooden Swing on Plaza Daniel Leo
on the island and you want to take the most While you’re in Mainstreet Oranjestad, check
picture-perfect photo to show your friends and out the wooden swing on Plaza Daniel Leo. This
family back home and online. It seems like the is another favorite among visitors wanting a
perfect spot can be hard to find, but Aruba is full cute snapshot for Instagram.
of great spots for a quick snapshot! Here are the Since you’ve made it this far, one question: How
most Instagrammable places in Aruba. many blue horses have you spotted already?

Mangel Halto
For a different take on beach photos, we defi-
nitely recommend Mangel Halto! You can get
in the water right by the roots of these beauti-

“I LOVE ARUBA”
Right on Paardenbaai Plaza, near the harbor ful trees (please be careful not to climb them,
entrance, you will spot a giant sign that reads though!). You will see beautiful skies, birds and
“I LOVE ARUBA”. A great first stop for a quick other wildlife, and among the greenery of the
shot with the family, this spot is among the few mangroves, your picture is sure to pop!
that has become a favorite among tourists, es-
pecially those that are visiting Aruba through a Yacht Dock in Oranjestad
cruise vacation. Last but certainly not least, the Yacht Dock in
Speaking of giant signs that read “Aruba” (be- Oranjestad is the perfect spot to take a beau-
cause there can never be too many), there is tiful picture, especially at sunset. The dock is
another sign you can find along the Linear Park. located behind the Wilhelmina Park. This spot
It may be a long walk from the harbor to get offers a gorgeous view of the ocean and sun-
there, but while you’re at it, check out these set, accompanied by the soft waves crash-
other spots along the way! ing on the shoreline. You may even spot some
iguanas!q