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local Thursday 6 February 2025
Aruba’s neighborhoods; the meaning behind their names

Just like any other coun- Ajo, or Ayo, is a word with of the most well known rock
try, Aruba has unique and Arawak-Indian origin. A (or formations. These formations
beautifully named neighbor- Ha) is an Indo-Antillean gen- became a well loved and
hoods that all form a part of eralizing word. If you were to visited attraction at Aruba
its culture and development. change a part of the word that is held in high regards
Many of these names have “Ayo”, namely ‘Yo’, to ‘Yu’ by both tourists and locals
a historical background and and make ‘Ayu’, it would alike.
meaning that teaches us mean “white.”
about the island and its rich If you’d like to know more
culture every day. However, as we now know, about the rock formations at
the name of the neighbor- Ayo, stay tuned for our article
With this series, we want to hood is ‘Ayo’. The word ‘Yo’ where we tell you all about
take you on a journey of dis- stands for Yocahu, which is its location and history.
covery, where you’ll learn another word for ‘creator’
not only the beautiful names in Arawak/Taino and in the This neighborhood’s abbre-
but the history behind it that Papiamento spoken today, viation is; A.
gives it life and meaning. ‘Ayo’ means ‘bye’.
Alto Vista
Ayo At Ayo, you can find some This word combination can
be roughly translated to a
‘high point of view’ and the
neighborhood received this
name from the Hill.

In the surrounding areas, Do-
mingoAntonia Silvestre built
his by his own means the very
first chapel or church of Aru-
ba. The walls of this church
were made with rocks but you all you need to know
the roof was made of dry If you’d like to know more about it for when you visit it.
corn stalks. The church was about the Alto Vista Church’s
inaugurated by father Pablo beautiful history, stay tuned This neighborhood’s abbre-
Algemesi for our article where we tell viation is; AV.q

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at Aruba to me

the top of the Hooiberg Hill

as the steps faced erosion, the govern-
ment decided to renovate these stairs in
1991. This new project delivered the newer
staircase with only 587 steps. However,
don’t be fooled—it may still be a work out
to get on top. In addition, there is now a
gazebo placed halfway up the stair for a
little rest. The view at this resting stop is also
a sight to see.
The best time to climb the hill would be
(Oranjestad)—If you are a regular hiker, early in the morning or right before sunset,
or maybe want to spice up your morning as it may not be as hot. However, the hill is
work out session, then you might enjoy one of course open all day, every day. q
of the most popular climbing sites on the ORANJESTAD — You are back or still enjoying your va-
island: The Hooiberg Hill. Accompanied
with a 600-step staircase, this hill overlooks cation?... we would like to portrait you! By inviting you
to send us your favorite vacation picture while enjoy-
a great part of the island, the Caribbean
sea, and sometimes even the Santa Anna ing our Happy Island.
mountain located in the coastal state of
Falcon in Venezuela, providing one of the Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send
your picture with that text (including your name and
best views you can get on Aruba.
where you are from) to: news@arubatoday.com and
we will publish your vacation memory. Isn’t that a spe-
located at the center district of the island,
Santa Cruz, the Hooiberg Hill is the second cial way to keep your best moments alive? Please do
note: By submitting photos, text or any other materials,
highest point on the island at 165 meters
above sea level (or about 540 feet above you give permission to The Aruba Today Newspaper,
Caribbean Speed Printers and any of its affiliated com-
sea level). The highest point is Jamanota
Hill at 189 meters (620 feet), located in the panies to use said materials, as well as names, likeness,
etc. for promotional purposes without compensation.
Arikok National Park.
The staircase that run on the side of the Last but not least: check out our website, Instagram
and Facebook page! Thank you for supporting our
hill was first built in 1951, when Mr. Eduar-
do Tromp constructed it. At that time, the free newspaper, we strive to make you a happy read-
staircase consisted of 900 steps. Over time, er every day again. q