The Balashi Gold Smelter and Mill: Aruba’s golden trails

Balashi Gold Smelter

In our last episode, we explored the Bushiribana Gold Mills and traced the early days of Aruba’s golden history. Among the key sites of interest is the Balashi Gold Smelter, which played a significant role in Aruba’s mining history. The Balashi Gold Smelter was essential in processing the gold extracted from the island. It all…

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Sensacionalismo den prensa: Aruba tin e problema aki ainda?

Microphone and voice recorder being held during an interview or press conference, capturing audio for media coverage or communication purposes.

Vincent Smit, di e organisacion 1Almere na Hulanda, recientemente tabata na Aruba unda cu el a duna un tremendo charla durante RAPP (Red Arubiano Di Prensa Profesional) su di dos seminario.   1Almere ta un organisacion di media/periodismo cu ta consisti di diescuater periodista. Vincent a bin pa papia tocante interaccion publico cu medionan local…

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Alto Vista: The Cradle of Arubian Catholicism

Landscape photo of Alto Vista Chapel in Aruba overlooking the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by cactus and rocks.

Freedom of Religion in Aruba Aruba is an autonomous representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy and as such every citizen has the freedom of religion, among other rights. Although the island is 80% Catholic, there are about 50+ different religions, denominations, and beliefs. The establishment of Catholicism as a predominant religion stems from the arrival…

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Hallmarks of Arubian Industries: Bushiribana Gold Mill

Ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill on the northern coast of Aruba.

Tourism as Aruba’s Modern Industry One of the significant historical sites related to this industry is the Bushiribana Gold Mill, which played a crucial role in Aruba’s mining history. For those of you who’ve been living under a rock either by choice or persuasion, Aruba’s primary source of income is tourism. The island’s white sandy…

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Islas Inutiles: The Spanish Colonial Era on Aruba

Scenic view of Canashito in Santa Cruz, Aruba, with large stone cross, symbolizing Spanish colonial influence and Catholic heritage.

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…

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Homeless problem in Aruba, or was it just Camping?

Camping on Aruba in camping season

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…

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