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LOCAL Tuesday 14 June 2022

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Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles southeast Aruba, such as Art Rules Aruba and Aruba
from Oranjestad you will enter the city Art Fair, San Nicolas has had quite the aes-
San Nicolas, also known as Sunrise City or thetic makeover with regards to vibrant
Chocolate City. A city that is rich in authen- street art. Each year more and more stun-
tic culture and island charm. San Nicolas is ning murals are replacing broken down
Aruba’s second largest city and was once buildings with colorful art pieces that keep
a bustling company town dominated by brightening up Sunrise City.
the oil industry since the early 1930’s.
Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
The new San Nicolas A little bit of everything can be found in the
In the shadow of the refinery, an art capi- main street. Stores selling shoes, clothing,
tal is quietly beginning to grow. This is the jewelry you name it. Arts & crafts by Co-
new San Nicolas, a place that is starting secha store & Creative Center, a design
to become a magnet for all that is young, store in which you can immerse yourself
cool and hip in Aruba. Indeed, San Nico- in discovering genuine and locally made
las has all of the ingredients of an emerg- arts and crafts which reflect the diversifi-
ing cultural hub — varied history, interest- cation of the Aruban craft heritage and
ing architecture, and, perhaps most im- the artistic supply of artisans. Don’t miss
portantly, an urban layout that makes it out on trying the exquisite food offered by
walkable. As you walk around, the streets the cafes and restaurants or just enjoy a
are silent but the walls are loud, filled with peaceful walk admiring the murals, mosa-
bright, colorful murals painted by a collec- ic benches and all the history San Nicolas
tion of artists from around the world. Thanks has to offer.q
to the efforts of various art organizations in