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Tuesday 7 OcTOber 2025 locAl
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Alto Vista chapel and its link to Aruba’s origins

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

Dining in? Try making some local favorites!

How to make “funchi”

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