Page 16 - AHATA

a8 local
Saturday 24 May 2025

Aruba’s kite flying tradition

from old bed sheets, ripped
and tied together to create
a long string of fabric trail-
ing behind the back end
of the kite. To finish off the
process, people used fish
lines or thin rope to tie three
corners of the kite together.
Another long string of rope
is tied in the knotted center
and bundled up, used to
steer the kite as it flies in the
air. Decorating the kite was
especially important, and
children would use paint to People usually fly their kites flying has become a sport
(Oranjestad)—Every year dried up cactus sticks for create their own designs— in big open fields, like emp- in which groups of people
for King’s Day, Arubans the frame, old news papers, the more colorful, the bet- ty soccer and baseball would battle against each
gather with friends and and glue made from flour, ter! fields found all around the other to see whose kite is
family to fly kites. Big or water and salt to dry faster island around noon, when the biggest, the prettiest,
small, paper or plastic, (some people even use the sun is at its brightest. and whose could fly flaw-
blue skies fill up with these cornstarch slurry as glue), lessly and longer in the
colorful flying contraptions, kids usually make their own In the past few years, kite air.q
brightening our yearly cel- kites with their friends, par-
ebration of the Dutch Mon- ents or other close family
arch. members. Tails are made

The tradition of flying kites
starts at home in the weeks
leading up to King’s Day.
These kites were tradition-
ally made with things found
in the nearby mondi* and in
the kitchen at home. Using

Feeling parched? Grab refreshment by the side of the road!

(Oranjestad)—Touring the island in the blistering heat can leave
one feeling rather thirsty and looking to cool off. Luckily there are
a few stands along the roads of Aruba that can offer you just what
you need: a nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at several locations on the
island, where you can cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks,
snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Perfect during family outings
around the island, these stands can be found in the following
locations:
- Near the red Anchor in San Nicolas
- On the Linear Park in Oranjestad (in front of airport runway)
- At the California Light House hill
- Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin
- Bushiribana Beach (Near the Ling & Song Supermarket)