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LOCAL Thursday 25 sepTember 2025

Aruba’s neighborhoods; the meaning behind their names

Just like any other coun- war and later, this area was
try, Aruba has unique and used as a terrain for training
beautifully named neighbor- of shooting by militia and
hoods that all form a part of latero n Korps Mariniers (the
its culture and development. marines of Aruba). By the
Many of these names have end of the previous century
a historical background and a large part of Anabui was
meaning that teaches us developed to have luxuri-
about the island and its rich ous villas and a golf course, The biggest probability that
culture every day. which lead to it getting the historians believe is that it
name Tierra Del Sol, Span- comes from native descent,
With this series, we want to ish for Land of the Sun. The during the time in the 19th
take you on a journey of dis- name is not an official name, century where Mestizos still
covery, where you’ll learn but the name of the devel- lived on Aruba. The name
not only the beautiful names opment proyect that took can’t really be explain and
but the history behind it that came to be because of a If one assumes that the actu- place. It is hoped that the according to books on its his-
gives it life and meaning. miscommunication between al word heard was Anaboio original and ‘old’ name of tory seems to be more of a
Van Spengler and the na- instead, consisting of Ana Anabui is never lost and sign of corruption.
Anabui/Tierra Del Sol tives who were living on the meaning the best and Boio now it will be remembered
This neighborhood can be island. In the Arawak/Taino (bohio); house, the iteration by both locals and tourists. However, it seems to come
seen on Van Raders map language one can find the of Anabui would mean “the from combining A(n), which
and Werbata as Anna word Anaiboa, which con- best house.” This is the origin Angochi is a generalizing prefix and
Boei. Anna Boei is a name sists of Ana meaning flower that has been more or less This name can be seen on Goeiza, which means ‘the
of which there isn’t much or the best and Iboa; the speculated and assumed the Werbata map with little spirit of a living man’. Ango-
information about its origin. juice of a cassava, which for the word Anabui and it’s and cursive letters. It is the chi remains more of a guess.
together would mean “the meaning. unofficial name for the area
The best historians were able best juice of a cassava”. given by a tenant to the land This neighborhood’s abbre-
to deduce is that this name During the second world that was rented to him. viation is; An.q

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to taste some- in all local snack trucks, which can if you’re on your way to San Nicolas,
thing different for a change? How be found all over the island, includ- at Mauchi Smoothies and Juice Bar
about some Aruban snacks that you ing on the side of the main road in Savaneta (located at the side of
can find all around the island? Hop that stretches from San Nicolas to the main road).
in your car, and go to these loca- the Hotel Area. You can also find
tions to find some of the most popular pastechis and krokets at local baker- If you are looking for something a
and tasty snacks that are beloved ies and snack shops, like Bright Bak- bit more fresh and healthy, why not
by our locals. ery in Piedra Plat, Huchada in Santa try some coconuts, or shaved ice
Cruz or Pastechi House in the city from local vendors? These vendors
One of the staples of Aruban cuisine center. These places may also sell carry their little shop at the back of
and snacks is the Pastechi. Pastechi other snacks and sandwiches too, their truck, so they are ever-moving
is a Caribbean fried pastry that is perfect for on-the-road lunch break. around the island. However, there
filled with cheese, meat, chicken, are a few spots where you can al- These vendors may also sell other
veggies and sometimes even fish! While you’re at it, why not accom- most always find a coconut/shaved delights, like the beloved coconut-
Or perhaps you might want to try a pany your snack with a refreshing ice vendor: based dessert “cocada” or peanuts.
croquette, locally called a “kroket,” “batido”? Batidos are fruit shakes, • Right next to the Red Anchor All in all, in Aruba, you can always
which is a crusty fried snack with typi- typically made with added milk for in San Nicolas, on the way to Baby find some place to take a break and
cally a meat and dough mix filling. some creaminess. However, you can Beach. have a bite of something local, you
The Aruban kroket is based on its also ask to hold the milk. Batidos are • Along the main road next to maybe just might have to look for
Dutch counterpart, the “bitterbal”. commonly found in snack shops too. the airport field. them!q
You may find some batido shops • At the California Light House.
These two snacks are typically found next the flee markets downtown, or • At the Alto Vista Chapel. Photo credit: wheninaruba.com