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Thursday 6 November 2025 locAl
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Aruba: The island of Aloes

ORANJESTAD – Aloe vera, a succu- ful laxative, and it is also the origin
lent plant species, is renowned for of the industry of aloe in Aruba.
its incredible properties for the skin.
It is widely distributed and usually According to the website of Roy-
grows in tropical, semi-tropical and al Aruba Aloe, Aloe vera was in-
arid climates on the planet. But this troduced in Aruba around 1840,
plant also had a very prominent when most of the island’s inhabit-
role in the history of Aruba, and its ants were farmers of little means.
significance to the island’s econo- Dutch Governor Van Raders intro-
my endures to this day. duced the plant after it had been
introduced in other islands of the
The leaves of Aloe vera contain a Caribbean to cultivate and har-
good amount of gel which when vest the aloe to produce the laxa-
used topically, is great for the skin. tive.
Traditionally, Arubans use this gel
to treat minor burns and other skin Around 1920, about two-thirds of
ailments, or just to keep skin supple Aruba was aloe fields, earning our
and looking bright and nourished. island the nickname “The Island of
Aside from the gel, aloe contains Aloes.”
a bitter, yellow substance (called
aloin) which is a gentle but power- Under Commander Jan Helenus Ferguson (1866-1871), aloe experi- ing laxative to producing skin care.
enced a boom, which is why there An interesting fact is that in 1951,
is a road named after him, which the production of Aruban aloe
goes through the aloe fields. In the amounted to around 30 percent
19th century, Aruba was the main of the total global production!
supplier of aloin for laxative, which
was imported abroad to the United The impact and relevance of
States and Europe. The aloin from aloe is visible all around Aruba.
Aruba and Curaçao was known to While most homes will have a few
be one of the best in the world and plants for personal use and deco-
was more expensive, which meant ration, houses are also decorat-
that at the time, it had significant ed with aloe motifs, and at some
economic impact, particularly for point, aloe even featured on post
the local farmers. stamps. Around 1920, about two-
thirds of Aruba was aloe fields,
However, by the time the oil indus- earning our island the nickname
try arrived on Aruba, it changed “The Island of Aloes.” And in 1955,
the labor market on Aruba, shifting the aloe became a part of Aruba’s
away from agriculture. It would be coat of arms, symbolizing prosper-
after World War II that aloe would ity for the island.q
make a comeback. And eventu-
ally, as science learned about the Images from the archive of the Na-
amazing properties of aloe gel, tional Library of Aruba.
the industry shifted from produc-

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named af- Beach almost represents it has black sand and is the northern side of the is- road leading up to Andicuri
ter its most recognizable the opposite of the typical covered in black smooth land, away from the white Beach. There, you can park
feature, the Blackstone Aruban beaches. For one, stones. Secondly, it lies on sandy beaches of in the your car and take a 1km
southern region. So, if you hike towards Blackstone
feel up for something differ- Beach.
ent—or if it’s opposite day,
visit the Blackstone Beach. This beach forms part of the
Arikok National Park and is
Blackstone Beach shows therefore a site that is pre-
the more natural side of served. This is why it is also
Aruba: the stones that cov- relatively untouched by
er the beaches and the commercial influences. De-
shape of it has been craft- spite being called a beach,
ed for thousand years via do note that it is not ad-
volcanic eruptions, coral vised to swim in the water,
reef movements and wave as the current is very strong
activity of the rural northern and can easily stray you
part of the island. further in the wild ocean.
Located further east to the However, you can still en-
Natural Bridge and Andi- joy a spectacular view of
curi Beach, the Blackstone the stones and the northern
Beach is relatively easy ocean that stretches out
to access. Once you get in front of the beach and
passed the Ayo Rock For- take a picture with your
mation, take the Andicuri friends or family!q