Page 10 - aruba-today-20240408

Monday 8 april 2024 LOCAL
A10

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles and more stunning murals are re-
southeast from Oranjestad you placing broken down buildings
will enter the city San Nicolas, also with colorful art pieces that keep
known as Sunrise City or Chocolate brightening up SunriseCity.
City. A city that is rich in authen-
tic culture and island charm. San Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
Nicolas is Aruba’s second largest A little bit of everything can be
city and was once a bustling com- found in the main street. Stores
pany town dominated by the oil in- selling shoes, clothing, jewelry you
dustry since the early 1930’s. name it. Arts & crafts by Cosecha
store & Creative Center, a design
Over the course of four decades, store in which you can immerse
its demographics had changed yourself in discovering genuine
immensely due to a stream of Afro- and locally made arts and crafts
Caribbean and South American which reflect the diversification of
workers who came to fill the jobs in the Aruban craft heritage and the
the oil refinery between the 1920’s artistic supply of artisans. Don’t miss
until the 1960’s. To this day traces out on trying the exquisite food of-
of the multicultural influences in stories of those who were part of fered by the cafes and restaurants
culinary offerings and customs, this history. The new San Nicolas or just enjoy a peaceful walk ad-
housing and population are clearly In the shadow of the refinery, an miring the murals, mosaic benches
visible in San Nicolas - more than Nicolaas Store built in 1940 and art capital is quietly beginning to and all the history San Nicolas has
anywhere else on the island. renovated in 2014 is the home of grow. This is the new San Nicolas, to offer.
the Community Museum. The col- a place that is starting to become
Flow of history lection is remarkable and spans a magnet for all that is young,
if you are looking for history San millennia. Ancient fossils stand next cool and hip in Aruba. Indeed,
Nicolas has it. Here you will find to tableaus of an authentically San Nicolas has all of the ingredi-
three amazing museums, The Mu- recreated colonial kitchen and ents of an emerging cultural hub
seum of Industry, the Community bedroom and 19th-century bar- — varied history, interesting archi-
Museum and the Carnival Eupho- bershop, just to name a few of the tecture, and, perhaps most impor-
ria, all within walking distance from items of old-time Aruba that has tantly, an urban layout that makes
one another. been preserved. A collection of it walkable. As you walk around,
artifacts and other objects of artis- the streets are silent but the walls
The Museum of Industry is situated tic, cultural, historical, or scientific are loud, filled with bright, color-
in the Water Tower in San Nico- importance can be found here for ful murals painted by a collection
las and narrates Aruba’s industrial the purpose of education or enjoy- of artists from around the world.
history which began in the 19th ment. Thanks to the efforts of various art
century. Here you will learn about organizations in Aruba, such as Art
gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and the Carnival Euphoria is showcasing Rules Aruba and Aruba Art Fair,
tourism industries which made San Aruba’s Carnival. See how are San Nicolas has had quite the aes-
Nicolas once a bustling business Carnival has developed over the thetic makeover with regards to
center. Experience the touching past 65 years. vibrant street art. Each year more

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Marriott Aruba

Ocean Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- consecutively visiting Aruba) provided by the honorees were: On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Au-
cently had the great pleasure of Emerald Ambassador (35>years • Aruba’s people. thority, we would like to express our
recognizing Goodwill Ambas- consecutively visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s wonderful weath- sincere gratitude and appreciation
sadors of Aruba. These honorees er. to the honorees for their continued
were respectively honored with a The honorees were: • Aruba´s sun, sand and sea. visits to the “One Happy Island”.
certificate acknowledging their • Aruba’s entertainment.
years of visits, loyalty, and love for Goodwill Ambassadors • “Feel Safe”
the island of Aruba. Mr. Arturo Martinez & Mrs. Angelina
Martinez from Lima, Peru.
The honor certification is presented
on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Mr. Jorgino Willems representing
as a token of appreciation and to the Aruba Tourism Authority, and
say “Masha Danki” to guests who staff members of Marriott Aruba
have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 Ocean Club bestowed the cer-
years or more consecutively. tificate to the honorees, presented
them with memorable gifts, and
The three honoring levels are as fol- thanked them for choosing Aruba
lows: as their best-loved vacation des-
tination, as their home away from
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- home.
secutively visiting Aruba)
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years Top reasons for returning to Aruba