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LOCAL Thursday 4 december 2025

Adriaan Laclé: One of Aruba’s richest men in the twentieth century

(Oranjestad)—The name Adriaan house still stands in good condition
Laclé may ring a bell to locals as and can be found in the back
one of the main roads on the island, streets of main street Oranjestad.
but about a century ago, Adriaan
Laclé was a rich businessman, Regarding his personal life, it has
well-known for his generosity, been said that he was married
wealth, and taste. twice during his lifetime. He had
his first daughter during his first
Adriaan was born in 1866 and was marriage but lost his wife soon
the eldest of six children. Not much after her birth. During his second
is known about his childhood marriage, he fathered 16 children.
upbringing or any of his earlier However, it has been said that
business ordeals, but during his only 11 of those 17 made it past
hay day he often helped people 18 years of age. Perhaps two of
get loans, was a well-established his most well-known daughters are
trader, and owned several plots Maria Monica Laclé and Maria
of land. In fact, he commissioned Veneranda Laclé, who went on
the construction of the famous to marry successful brothers Eloy
La Quinta Carmen manor—now Arends and Maximilian Arends,
a restaurant. Though he himself respectively. Their houses are still Maximilian and Maria Veneranda’s years left in ruin.q
never lived in the beautiful manor, standing; Eloy and Maria Monica’s house stands on the opposite
his own house also reflected his mansion functions as the townhall, side of the road to them—though Source: De Kolibrie op de Rots (en
success and good taste. Today his used to host civil marriages, while currently under renovation after meer over de geschiedenis van
Aruba) by Evert Bongers.

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to taste want to try a croquette, locally try some coconuts, or shaved ice
something different for a change? called a “kroket,” which is a crusty from local vendors? These vendors
How about some Aruban snacks fried snack with typically a meat carry their little shop at the back of
that you can find all around the is- and dough mix filling. The Aruban their truck, so they are ever-mov-
land? Hop in your car, and go to kroket is based on its Dutch coun- ing around the island. However,
these locations to find some of the terpart, the “bitterbal”. there are a few spots where you
most popular and tasty snacks that can almost always find a coconut/
are beloved by our locals. These two snacks are typically shaved ice vendor:
found in all local snack trucks, • Right next to the Red Anchor
One of the staples of Aruban cui- which can be found all over the shops too. You may find some ba- in San Nicolas, on the way to
sine and snacks is the Pastechi. island, including on the side of the tidos along the flea market down- Baby Beach.
Pastechi is a Caribbean fried pas- main road that stretches from San town. • Along the main road next to
try that is filled with cheese, meat, Nicolas to the Hotel Area. You can the airport field.
chicken, veggies and sometimes also find them at local bakeries all If you are looking for something a • At the California Light House.
even fish! Or perhaps you might over the island. These places may bit more fresh and healthy, why not • At the Alto Vista Chapel.
also sell other snacks and sand-
wiches too, perfect for on-the- These vendors may also sell other
road lunch break. delights, like the beloved coconut-
based dessert “cocada” or pea-
While you’re at it, why not accom- nuts. All in all, in Aruba, you can
pany your snack with a refreshing always find some place to take a
“batido”? Batidos are fruit shakes, break and have a bite of some-
typically made with added milk for thing local, you maybe just might
some creaminess. However, you have to look for them!
can also ask to hold the milk. Bati-
dos are commonly found in snack Photo credit: wheninaruba.com