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LOCAL Saturday 20 July 2024

Ever heard of the cah’i orgel?

A key instrument in Aruban folklore music

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

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resort!

The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the half of the Minister of Tourism as a token of ap- ism Authority, and staff members of Divi Aruba
great pleasure of recognizing Goodwill Ambas- preciation and to say “Masha Danki” to guests All Inclusive Resort bestowed the certificate
sadors of Aruba. The honorees were respec- who have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or upon the honorees, presented them with gifts,
tively honored with a certificate for their years more consecutively. and thanked them for choosing Aruba as their
of visits, loyalty, and love for the island of Aruba. favorite vacation destination, as their home
The three levels of honor are as follows: away from home.
The honorary certification is presented on be- Distinguished Visitor (10>years consecutively vis-
iting Aruba) The top reasons for returning to Aruba provided
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years consecutively by the honorees were:
visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s people.
Emerald Ambassador (35>years consecutively • Aruba makes you feel safe.
visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s restaurants.
• “We love our Resort”
The honorees were: • “Friends that we have on the Island”
Goodwill Ambassadors
Mr. Keith & Mrs. Rachel Ingham from Shrewsbury On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, we
Massachusetts, United States. would like to express our sincere gratitude and
appreciation to the honorees for their contin-
Mr. Jorgino Willems representing the Aruba Tour- ued visits to the “One Happy Island”.q