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Wednesday 12 June 2019

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles south- other objects of artistic, cultural, histori-
east from Oranjestad you will enter the cal, or scientific importance can be found
city San Nicolas, also known as Sunrise here for the purpose of education or en-
City or Chocolate City. A city that is rich joyment.
in authentic culture and island charm. San Carnival Euphoria is showcasing Aruba’s
Nicolas is Aruba’s second largest city and Carnival. See how are Carnival has devel-
was once a bustling company town domi- oped over the past 65 years.
nated by the oil industry since the early
1930’s. The new San Nicolas
In the shadow of the refinery, an art capi-
Over the course of four decades, its de- tal is quietly beginning to grow. This is the
mographics had changed immensely due new San Nicolas, a place that is starting
to a stream of Afro-Caribbean and South to become a magnet for all that is young,
American workers who came to fill the jobs cool and hip in Aruba. Indeed, San Nico-
in the oil refinery between the 1920’s until las has all of the ingredients of an emerg-
the 1960’s. To this day traces of the mul- ing cultural hub — varied history, interest-
ticultural influences in culinary offerings ing architecture, and, perhaps most im-
and customs, housing and population are portantly, an urban layout that makes it
clearly visible in San Nicolas - more than walkable. As you walk around, the streets
anywhere else on the island. are silent but the walls are loud, filled with
bright, colorful murals painted by a col-
Flow of history lection of artists from around the world.
if you are looking for history San Nicolas Thanks to the efforts of various art organi-
has it. Here you will find three amazing mu- zations in Aruba, such as Art Rules Aruba
seums, The Museum of Industry, the Com- and Aruba Art Fair, San Nicolas has had
munity Museum and the Carnival Eupho- quite the aesthetic makeover with regards
ria, all within walking distance from one to vibrant street art. Each year more and
another. more stunning murals are replacing bro-
The Museum of Industry is situated in the ken down buildings with colorful art pieces
Water Tower in San Nicolas and narrates that keep brightening up SunriseCity.
Aruba's industrial history which began in
the 19th century. Here you will learn about Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and the tourism A little bit of everything can be found in the
industries which made San Nicolas once main street. Stores selling shoes, clothing,
a bustling business center. Experience the jewelry you name it. Arts & crafts by Co-
touching stories of those who were part of secha store & Creative Center, a design
this history. store in which you can immerse yourself
Nicolaas Store built in 1940 and renovat- in discovering genuine and locally made
ed in 2014 is the home of the Community arts and crafts which reflect the diversifi-
Museum. The collection is remarkable and cation of the Aruban craft heritage and
spans millennia. Ancient fossils stand next the artistic supply of artisans. Don’t miss
to tableaus of an authentically recreated out on trying the exquisite food offered by
colonial kitchen and bedroom and 19th- the cafes and restaurants or just enjoy a
century barbershop, just to name a few of peaceful walk admiring the murals, mosa-
the items of old-time Aruba that has been ic benches and all the history San Nicolas
preserved. A collection of artifacts and has to offer.q