SLY ‘N SNIDE TOUR GUIDE
Exploring Aruba’s religious heritage: The church on the bay
Aruba’s Rich Tapestry of Faiths Aruba, a gem in the Caribbean, boasts not only stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also a rich tapestry of religious diversity. Despite being predominantly Catholic, the island embraces over 50 different religious beliefs, from monotheistic faiths to ancient traditions like the Greek pantheon and Viking Gods. Here, everyone finds…
Read MoreThe tale of Fort Zoutman: Colonial Defenses of the Dutch Caribbean
The Threat of Pirates and Privateers The threat of pirates and privateers was still a serious matter in the latter years of the 18th century. So, it was of utmost importance to build a fort to defend the island against any eminent danger. Just so you know, privateers are sanctioned by a monarchy, republic, or…
Read MoreIslas Inutiles: The Spanish Colonial Era on Aruba
Arrival of Alonso de Ojeda in Aruba (1499) T’was the year of our lord 1499, the 9th of August to be exact… when Alonso de Ojeda, a Conquistador from Torrenjoncillo del Rey, Cuencas, Castille de la Mancha (that’s a mouthful), set foot on these shores. On 6 June 1508 the king of Spain appointed De…
Read MoreUnveiling Paardenbaai: Aruba’s hidden Dutch colonial influence
Aruba has been a part of the Dutch kingdom since 1636 when the Dutch wrested control of these territories from the Spanish towards the end of the 30 and 80 years’ war. It is well-documented that most European wars overlapped during the colonial era, and any monarchy, republic, or company that emerged victorious would claim…
Read MoreHomeless problem in Aruba, or was it just Camping?
A lovely guest approached yours truly and asked, does Aruba have a homeless problem? Why are there so many tents on the beach? Well, ladies and gents, no this is not a tropical Skid Row. This is the tradition of Campamento (Camping). Aruba is predominantly Catholic for about 85% of the population with varying degrees of…
Read MoreThe Arubian freedom fighter of the Dutch resistance
Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Huize Ecury or the house of Ecury Built in 1870 the house belonged as the name implies to the Ecury Family. A well-known merchant family of Aruba consisting of Patriarch Dundun Ecury, matriarch Annie Ernst and 13 kids. The reason families were so large back then was because: Infant mortality…
Read MoreCaquetio: The First Nation of Aruba
The Caquetio Heritage and Its Influence Do you know the difference between the Arawak and the Caquetio? Welcome to another edition of The Sly ‘N Slide Tour Guide, where today, we dive deep into Aruba’s indigenous heritage, primarily represented by the Caquetio people. We’ll explore their way of life, beliefs, and origins—though not necessarily in that…
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