San Nicolas’ Monuments and History at Aruba’s 2025
Experience a day of rich culture and heritage in Aruba’s vibrant southern city. On Sunday, June 1st, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, San Nicolas will come alive with history and tradition as historic buildings and cultural monuments open their doors to the public for the second edition of Open Monument Day Aruba.
Organized by the Monuments Fund Aruba in collaboration with the Department of Culture Aruba, the event offers a full schedule of interactive tours, educational presentations, musical performances, and family-friendly activities designed to showcase the enduring beauty and stories behind San Nicolas’ monuments.
Discover Aruba’s Historic Gems in San Nicolas
Explore San Nicolas monuments like never before. The day begins at the iconic Watertoren San Nicolas on Bernhardstraat 164, the central hub for the event. Here, visitors can pick up information booklets and enjoy a festive opening ceremony at 10:30 AM led by John Freddy Montoya with musical performances by Mabelline Arends Croes, the Tutti Frutti Choir, and dance troupes.
Monument Sites to Visit
Watertoren San Nicolas
Location: Bernhardstraat 164
- Starting point of the event
- Information booth for all activities
Museo di Industria
- Interactive scavenger hunt and storytelling every 30 minutes
- Discover Aruba’s industrial past
Nicolaas Store
- Local community museum
- Mini scavenger hunt with prizes
Uncle Louis Store
- Award-winning restored monument
- Learn about sustainable restoration by the Department of Nature and Environment
- Architectural insights
Casa di Famia Vorst
- Oldest cunucu house in San Nicolas
- Learn about the Vorst family legacy
Casa di Famia Hope
- 90-year-old wooden house
- Special music presentation at 4 PM by Watra
Santa Teresita Church
- Open to the public
- Historical insights and architectural charm
Family Fun: Participate in the Monument Hunt
Join the Monument Hunt with your family! Download or reinstall the MyAruba app, create your team, and explore San Nicolas monuments to win exciting prizes. For full details, visit Monumentenfonds Aruba.
Cultural Exhibitions: Living Our Heritage
A major highlight is the final exhibition of the two-year photography project Biba nos Herencia, featuring captivating historical snapshots and an online magazine created by community volunteers.
Presentations at Biblioteca Nacional San Nicolas
- Lecture by Leon Berenos: San Nicolas in the 20th century
- Wikipedia Aruba Project: Learn how you can help document Aruba’s cultural heritage online
Hop On a Guided Tour
Explore San Nicolas monuments through three unique guided bus tours:
San Nicolas Bus Tours
- Departure: Teresita Center
- Route: Major cultural and historical sites
Mural Tour
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Guide: Tito Bolivar
- Start: Artisa Gallery
“Nostalgia” Village Tour
- Time: 3:45 PM
- Guide: Leon Berenos
- Start: Lolita Statue
Hands-On Arts, Crafts & Photography
Head to Teresita Center for creative workshops:
- Children’s photography and painting classes
- Adult painting workshop at 2:00 PM at Artisa Gallery
- Art gallery visits with inspiration from local creators
Wheels in Action: WAW Mobiel
Thanks to IBISA and CEDE Aruba, the WAW Mobiel will offer active play opportunities for kids, combining fun with cultural education throughout Open Monument Day Aruba.
San Nicolas Pop-Up Market
Stroll along B v/d Veen Zeppenfeldstraat for the San Nicolas Pop-Up Market, where local vendors showcase handmade crafts, traditional snacks, and unique souvenirs. Local businesses will also open their doors to serve Aruba’s finest flavors.
Celebrate Culture and Win Prizes
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore San Nicolas monuments, immerse yourself in the island’s history, and enjoy a vibrant celebration filled with family fun and cultural pride. Participate in tours, hunts, and workshops for a chance to win great prizes.
Related Post
Discover more about San Nicolas’ cultural revival in this San Nicolas Mural Art Tour article that explores the artistic side of the city’s transformation.
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