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local Tuesday 15 april 2025
Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

like hurricanes and tsuna-
mis.

Through underwater and
land surveillance, and 3D
models of the reefs, they
were able to narrow down
when these formations are truly an incredible and
started to take place. They rare remnant of geologi-
were also able to track the cal history, as they provide
fluctuation of sea levels a clear view of how these
during the past hundred or reefs have formed.
even thousands of years,
and the effects that this This research is also im-
fluctuation has had on the portant for the future of
coral reefs of the windward coral reefs on the island.
side of Aruba. By studying rising sea lev-
els and climate impact on
(Oranjestad)—If you’ve traced back to the last gla- of Bari Aldo Moro, present- These findings can certainly these coral reefs, we are
been to the northern coast cial period. ed their research on these put things into perspective. able to take concrete ac-
of Aruba already, you’ve fossilized coral reefs at the The ground on which we tion in protecting and pre-
probably noticed how the On May 30 2023, geosci- University of Aruba. Their have walked many times serving our coral reefs. So, if
ground differs entirely from entists, Dr. Patrick Boyden focus for their research in- in the northern part of the you are ever visiting one of
the sandy beaches on the from the Marum research cluded studying the health island hold such rich history, the bocas or driving along
southern part of the island. faculty at the University of and formation patterns of history that dates back to the northern part of the is-
These hard surfaces, with Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio these coral reefs, and to a time that most of us can- land, please be conscious
sharp bumps and holes Rovere from the Ca' Fosc- investigate how these reefs not even imagine. As the to help protect our natu-
are actually fossilized coral ari University of Venice and have responded and can scientists themselves have ral historical remnant. Oh,
reefs, of which its growth Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scic- respond to fluctuating sea pointed out, these fossilized and wear (coral-friendly)
and changes can be chitano, from the University levels or extreme weather, reefs on the windward side sunscreen!q

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 Aruba and Aruba Art Fair,
miles southeast from Oran- San Nicolas has had quite
jestad you will enter the city the aesthetic makeover
San Nicolas, also known as with regards to vibrant
Sunrise City or Chocolate street art. Each year more
City. A city that is rich in and more stunning murals
authentic culture and is- are replacing broken down
land charm. San Nicolas is buildings with colorful art
Aruba’s second largest city pieces that keep brighten-
and was once a bustling ing up SunriseCity.
company town dominated
by the oil industry since the Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
early 1930’s. A little bit of everything can
distance from one another. the items of old-time Aruba architecture, and, perhaps be found in the main street.
Over the course of four de- The Museum of Industry is that has been preserved. A most importantly, an urban Stores selling shoes, cloth-
cades, its demographics situated in the Water Tower collection of artifacts and layout that makes it walk- ing, jewelry you name it.
had changed immensely in San Nicolas and narrates other objects of artistic, cul- able. As you walk around, Don’t miss out on trying the
due to a stream of Afro-Ca- Aruba's industrial history tural, historical, or scientific the streets are silent but exquisite food offered by
ribbean and South Ameri- which began in the 19th importance can be found the walls are loud, filled the cafes and restaurants
can workers who came century. Here you will learn here for the purpose of ed- with bright, colorful murals or just enjoy a peaceful
to fill the jobs in the oil re- about gold, aloe, phos- ucation or enjoyment. painted by a collection walk admiring the murals,
finery between the 1920’s phate, oil and the tourism Carnival Euphoria is show- of artists from around the mosaic benches and all
until the 1960’s. To this day industries which made San casing Aruba’s Carnival. world. Thanks to the efforts the history San Nicolas has
traces of the multicultural Nicolas once a bustling See how are Carnival has of various art organizations to offer.q
influences in culinary offer- business center. Experi- developed over the past in Aruba, such as Art Rules
ings and customs, housing ence the touching stories 65 years.
and population are clearly of those who were part of
visible in San Nicolas - more this history. The new San Nicolas
than anywhere else on the Nicolaas Store built in 1940 In the shadow of the refin-
island. and renovated in 2014 is ery, an art capital is quietly
the home of the Communi- beginning to grow. This is
Flow of history ty Museum. The collection is the new San Nicolas, a
if you are looking for his- remarkable and spans mil- place that is starting to be-
tory San Nicolas has it. Here lennia. Ancient fossils stand come a magnet for all that
you will find three amazing next to tableaus of an au- is young, cool and hip in
museums, The Museum of thentically recreated colo- Aruba. Indeed, San Nicolas
Industry, the Community nial kitchen and bedroom has all of the ingredients of
Museum and the Carnival and 19th-century barber- an emerging cultural hub
Euphoria, all within walking shop, just to name a few of — varied history, interesting