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local Friday 24 January 2025

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

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

Planning on snorkeling? Get to know our Picuda!

which the Department of Agricul- flesh in fish soup. In fishing culture, be able to accelerate quickly when
ture, Livestock and Fisheries, known there are many other names, such the prey gets close.
as “Santa Rosa”, wants to share and as Pecho blanco, Blekito, Banana,
also obtain information from the or Bleki. The names vary according In Aruba:
public. to size. Picuda can be found in our waters
around our island throughout the
(Oranjestad)—If you’re ever planning Picuda, Sphyraena barracuda, Description year. Picuda, in our waters, is edible
on snorkeling during your vacation Greater Barracuda The Picuda is a long fish, with a round without any problem. Picuda is also
on Aruba, you may spot fish that you Well known is the Picuda on the body like a torpedo and silver in color a highly sought-after fish by sports
can’t recognize. One of these may island—Barracuda in English. Its with shiny black stripes. Below, that fishermen or recreational fishermen
be the “Picuda”, a very common fish scientific name is Sphyraena bar- is, the belly, is whiter, while the top because it puts up a good fight once
that swims all year long in the waters racuda. It is a widely caught fish. part is darker. Its snout is very pointed, hooked. It can be caught via trolling
of Aruba. Here’s some information It is found throughout the year in and the lower jaw is longer than the from a boat, casting from shore with
about the beloved Picuda. our waters, where it is a so-called upper one. Its peduncle, where the a line or rod, or by jigging, casting
"ambush predator" that stays still or body meets the tail, is thick, while the the lure (artificial bait) and moving
Let's talk about the names of fish. floats in the water waiting for its prey tail also forms a crescent but in this it with certain rod motions. q
Do you know your fish? This is an in- to approach so it can attack it with case one more "full" than that of mul-
formative article that illustrate some lightning speed. It is well known for let or conefish. This reflects the hunt- Picture courtesy of the Department of
fish and their names in Papiamento, fishermen, especially for its white ing style of the Picuda. It needs to Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.