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Wednesday 5 July 2023 locAl
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Origin of Some Aruban Site Names Episode CCXIII - 213

Etnia Nativa, home to a unique cabinet of curiosities
in Aruba, focuses on various aspects of native knowl-
edge, transcendental wisdom, and the importance of
upholding its uniqueness related to the endemic cul-
tural source of identity. It encourages and educates
visitors to embrace a genuine idea of bridging a link
with the passionate island.

This episode shares explanations that provide histori-
cal context and significance behind the names of
various places on the island.

Aruba has interesting names for its places, often de-
rived from native expressions or historical situations
and events. For example, Santa Cruz got its name
from the tradition that during the time of Spanish
colonization, the first cross representing Christianity
was erected there. Another place that has changed
names many times is Paardenbai (Horses Bay), our
port or harbour,received its name since horse traffic
occurred at a beach in the area nearby, with horses
embarking or disembarking there. Additionally, Com-
mandeurs Baaiis named after the place where the
Dutch commander or director of the island lived dur-
ing the 17th and 18th centuries.
it moving again. This incident became ther down west.
During the end of the Spanish period and the begin- the talk of the day sincenative ingenu-
ning of the 17th century, Aruba experienced invasions ous had to be implemented marking a San Nicolas owes its name to the ex-
by many nations, including French corsairs, due to the place going uphill as Marawiel, which ploitation of phosphate as a fertilizer
expansion of piracy in the Caribbean. In an attempt literally means “to bind the wheel” in in 1879. The name was obtained from
to thwart the invasion, a local chief, also known as Papiamento. In Spanish, the name a landowner in that area, Nicolas van
a Cacique, named Gaspeti, confronted the invaders “Marawiel” translates to “atar la rue- der Biest. Prior to this, subordinates ad-
in a narrow pass, which came to be known as “Paso da,” or “to tie the wheel.” dressed landowners with their given
Frances” or Rooi Frances. Unfortunately, Gaspeti and names, preceded by ‘shon,’ which
his followers were ambushed nearby an elevated With the curious name of Vader Piet, means ‘sir.’ It is said that Shon Nicolas,
grotto called “Canashito.” Tragically, their hiding we encounter another site on the referring to Nicolas van der Biest, origi-
place was revealed when a barking dog gave away north coast, which translates into Eng- nated the current name of San Nico-
their position to the French invaders. Unable to enter lish as ‘Father Peter.’ In 1829, a gentle- las.
the grotto, the invaders lit a fire at its entrance, result- man named Pieter Lampe resided in
ing in the suffocation of many brave individuals. the vicinity of that place that held a Nowour island also has many Toponym
position of authority in the remote dis- -place names- that derive from Native
Other sites in Aruba have names derived from Papia- trict. Tragically, Pieter Lampe was as- American origins, and specifically Na-
mento, such as “Marawiel,” which originated from sassinated. However, was known for his tive Aruban. Follow us to the next epi-
the time in which they used a steam powered trac- compassionate and helpful nature, so sode and share your experience.
tor in the goldmining industry. According to an oral people affectionately referred to him Recommended: If you have a keen
tradition passed down through generations, the story as ‘Vader Piet’ (‘Father Piet’ in English), interest in experiencing Aruba’s heri-
goes that one rainy day, the tractor got stuck in the a name that eventually became as- tage, a visit to Etnia Nativa is a must.
mud, and ropes had to be tied to the wheels to get sociated with the region. The fact that What sets Etnia Nativa apart are the
the name is in the Dutch language (as owner’s firsthand experience and in-
‘vader’ means ‘father’) suggests that sights. Their personal touch adds depth
the Lampe family may have spoken and authenticity to the experience, al-
Dutch at home, the language of the lowing visitors to forge a meaningful
Protestants. connection with the island’s history. By
engaging, you can gain valuable in-
Although Sabaneta is the oldest histori- sights and develop a profound under-
cal settlement and the first capital of standing of Aruba’s cultural traditions.
the island, its name originated around
1840 when the cultivation of cochineal
revitalized the area (as mentioned in To arrange a visit, contact etniana-
episode 92 of Island-Insight). The name tiva03@gmail.com or WhatsApp (mes-
“Sabaneta” means ‘the small savan- sages only) at +297 592 2702. Appoint-
nah,’ possibly to differentiate it from ments are necessary to ensure a per-
Sabana Grande, which is located fur- sonalized and immersive experience.q