Page 13 - AHATA

Thursday 24 July 2025 LOCAL
A10

Aruba’s neighborhoods; the meaning behind their names

Just like any other coun-
try, Aruba has unique and
beautifully named neigh-
borhoods that all form a
part of its culture and de-
velopment. Many of these
names have a historical
background and meaning
that teaches us about the
island and its rich culture
every day.

With this series, we want
to take you on a journey If you were to change a Papiamento spoken today,
of discovery, where you’ll part of the word “Ayo”, ‘Ayo’ means ‘bye’.
learn not only the beautiful namely ‘Yo’, to ‘Yu’ and At Ayo, you can find some
names but the history be- make ‘Ayu’, it would mean of the most well known rock
hind it that gives it life and “white.” formations. These forma-
meaning. tions became a well loved
However, as we now know, and visited attraction at
Ayo the name of the neighbor- Aruba that is held in high
Ajo, or Ayo, is a word with hood is ‘Ayo’. The word ‘Yo’ regards by both tourists
Arawak-Indian origin. A stands for Yocahu, which is and locals alike.
(or Ha) is an Indo-Antil- another word for ‘creator’
lean generalizing word. in Arawak/Taino and in the If you’d like to know more
about the rock formations church of Aruba. The walls
at Ayo, stay tuned for our of this church were made
article where we tell you all with rocks but the roof was
about its location and his- made of dry corn stalks. The
tory. church was inaugurated
This neighborhood’s abbre- by father Pablo Algemesi
viation is; A.
Alto Vista If you’d like to know more
This word combination can about the Alto Vista
be roughly translated to a Church’s beautiful history,
‘high point of view’ and the stay tuned for our article
neighborhood received where we tell you all you
this name from the Hill. need to know about it for
when you visit it.
In the surrounding areas,
DomingoAntonia Silvestre This neighborhood’s abbre-
built his by his own means viation is; AV.
the very first chapel or
Aruba’s most family-friendly beaches

(Oranjestad)—One of the rentals, chairs, bathrooms beach near the Malmok
biggest concerns that par- and a snack bar right at beach area further down
ents have when travelling the far left of the beach. the hotel areas. Though it
with their children is a guar- may not be a very sandy
antee of their safety and Mangel Halto in Pos Chiq- beach, it is relatively quiet
healthy enjoyment. There- uito and tranquil. This is a great
fore, we thought it would Mangel Halto is situated place for family to lay down
be a great help to travel- in the back streets of the a big blanket and have a
ling parents to list off some Pos Chiquito city. Though little picnic. This is also one
the most family-friendly there are several stairs on of the best places to snor-

beaches around the island. the sides of the beach cliff kel, as this area is filled with
leading you down, the best little fish and corals, even
Baby Beach in San Nicolas spot for families to hang close to the shore.
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s out is across the bridge,
most popular and visited passed the mangrove trees Palm Island
beaches, and for good rea- near the entrance sign. in the hotel area These beaches also offer Ok, this one is technically
son: This sandy and quiet Here, there are small and Yet another highly popular many palapas free to use, not a beach, but a must-
lagoon is a great place for big palapas, perfect for beach site, Eagle Beach but you can also rent chairs visit attraction for family fun.
parents to sit back and re- big and small families to and Palm Beach is where and tents. Much like Baby This small water park oasis is
lax while their children play set up their belongings. In most of our visitors go to Beach, these sites are one located further down the
in the shallow shores of the this area, the shore is also tan, swim or play in the of the best beaches for Mangel Halto Beach and
beach. Beside the relaxing shallow, falling right around white sand. Because they your children to play and is reachable by boat. This
atmosphere, there are also your knee before slowly are near the low-rise and build sand castles. water park offers 6 hours of
several services that may getting deeper: perfect for high-rise hotel areas, these fun activities, food, drinks,
accommodate your stay, kids to safely play. beaches are the most ac- Boca Catalina in Malmok and a chance to see pink
like a parking lot, sun tent Eagle Beach/Palm Beach cessible for visitors on foot. Boca Catalina is a small bay flamingoes up close!