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local Wednesday 4 June 2025

Alto Vista chapel and its link to Aruba’s origins

According to Etnia Nativa, the old foundations of the
in the 18th century most of Church of the Queen of
the inhabitants of Aruba the Holiest Rosary to build
were indigenous who lived a new chapel on the same
on the north coast, one of place. The entire surround-
the largest communities ing area was empty and
lived in Alto Vista. desolated, making it hard
to imagine that Alto Vista
As they were very religious, was a town at all. A hun-
they had a chief with the dred years later, people
name of Antonio Silvester can see the remains of
who guided them in the around twenty houses,
Christian life and it was he some made of stone and
who decided to build a others of clay. Nowadays,
stone chapel with a roof only around six of these tank which the locals call
of corn rods, which would when Domingo Antonio Sil- the most infected, they be- houses remain. Tanki Cacique. In the past
serve as a place of prayer. vester came to Aruba from gan to build their homes this tank was closed. But
In 1750 it was blessed by Fa- Venezuela. The elders be- further south within the South of the chapel in the mostly water was brought
ther Algamesi who came lieve Antonio was a Span- Noord area, so the town of yard two graves can be out from the Poz di Noord,
from Coro-Venezuela and iard. In 1780, father Joseph Noord began to grow into observed, there was the a well dug in the sand.
appointed Domingo Anto- Antonio de la Vegal called a community till getting its cemetery which father
nio Silvester as the island’s Bernardino Silvester, one of own Church. However re- Pablo de Algemesi blessed. The chapel can be viewed
first prosecutor in the name Antonio’s sons with his wife ligious festivals continued It is not certain, but it is be- from basically any point in
of the Spanish crown and Anna Cathalina Tromp, to be celebrated at this sa- lieved that the two graves the north side, even from
Rome. In 1752 the prosecu- “neighbors and naturals of cred native place, with the belong to Antonio Silvester Paradera and Sero Plat.
tion passed into the hands the island Aruba” and thus custom of arriving in pro- and Miguel Alvares, ac- All the historical remains
of Antonio Silvester’s son- they became natives. cession to Alto Vista. cording to Nooyen. About around the chapel provide
in-law, Miguel Álvarez, who 50 meters near the chapel us with an idea on how the
continued to guide the pa- At the end of the eighteen Two-hundred years after there are still the markings old people of Alto Vista
rishioners in their prayers. century many inhabitants the beautiful time of Alto of an old house, where used to live. Don’t miss the
the island died as a result of Vista, people can no lon- Antonio and Bernardino opportunity to visit a place
According to the book, the black fever epidemic ger see much of the town Silvester would have lived. of historical significance
The History of Alto Vista by and since people believed of Alto Vista from 1750. With About 200 meters from the with a window to Aruba’s
R.H. Nooyen, it is not known that the Alto Vista area was a lot of work they found chapel there is a water past.q

Dining in? Try making a local favorite

How to make “funchi hasa”

(Oranjestad)—A night in can be After reaching a semi-firm, yet flex-
just as fun as a night out on the Ingredients (measured by heart) ible texture, grab a baking pan or
town, especially if you got the right 1. Polenta flour* any large, deep plate, and pour
snacks to munch on. One of the 2. Water the mixture in. Be sure that this
most famous Aruban snacks or ap- 3. Butter plate is wet or greased so that the
petizers is “funchi hasa” (fried po- 4. Salt to taste mixture does not stick to the bot-
lenta sticks). A super easy meal tom. Let this cool completely while
that adults and children will both Directions it firms up for the last time. Once
enjoy. Here’s how to make it! Bring water to a boil in a medium- it’s cooled you can enjoy it as is,
sized sauce pan. Add in some salt topped with some butter or shred-
Before we start, get to know the and butter to taste in the boiling ded cheese. Or, you can take it to
basics water and let this dissolve and another level of deliciousness.
So what is funchi hasa? Funchi, or melt. Then, gradually add the flour
Aruban polenta, is a popular side while stirring with a wooden spoon. When your funchi is firm enough,
dish for local dishes, like soups, The mixture will start to begin to cut it into strips (size is up to you). FRESKU polenta flour brand that is
stews and fried fish. Made from a harden pretty fast, so be careful Heat up some oil in a pan and fry sold in all supermarkets on the is-
corn flour, water and butter mix- not to add too much. At this phase those babies up! After frying, you land. You can also use yellow corn
ture, this appetizer is traditionally of cooking, you want a goopy can top it with some cheese or
eaten alongside a warm meal. thick mixture, but thin enough so enjoy it with your favorite dipping flour from the brand PAN.q
However, locals also like to fry you can continue to stir to get all sauce. Photo credit of fried funchi sticks: Jac-
sticks of funchi for a quick and fill- the lumps out. queline Felida on Pinterest.
ing snack. Note: We recommend the FUNCHI