A Walk Down Crijnssenstraat in San Nicolas, Aruba
Because some of Aruba’s best stories begin with a simple walk!
One of my favorite stops on our San Nicolas walking tour is The Fading Prikichi, one of the most thoughtful pieces of street art in Aruba. Painted by Curaçaoan artist Garrick Marchena, the mural is a beautiful reminder that creativity flows freely across the ABC Islands. Aruban nature photographer Damilice Mansur completes the artwork with words that quietly give it its soul.
Most guests admire the mural, snap a photo, and continue on their way. But if you wander a few steps to the right and take a moment to look a little closer, you’ll discover a beautiful hidden message:
“He who plants a tree plants life, plants faith, plants shelter, plants peace, plants hope for future generations.”
In that moment, the mural takes on an entirely new meaning. The prikichi (our native parakeet) depends on Aruba’s native trees for food, shelter, and a safe place to nest. The message is a gentle reminder that every tree planted today helps protect tomorrow for Aruba’s wildlife, its people, and future generations.
Experience the Soul of “Sunrise City”
As our walking tour continues down historic Crijnssenstraat, colorful bougainvillea spill over old garden gates, and the pace of life seems to slow. Historic homes, each with stories of their own, quietly line the street, patiently waiting for their next chapter.
It doesn’t take long before San Nicolas does what it does best. Someone waves us over. A local resident, with obvious pride, points to the native trees growing beside their home, sharing their Papiamento names and explaining why they matter. Before you know it, they’ve become part of the tour themselves, happily adding their own chapter to the story. Moments earlier, we’d been talking about protecting Aruba’s native trees. Now we’re standing with someone who lovingly cares for them every day.
It’s impossible to tell where the walking tour ends and the neighborhood begins. Tucked behind lush gardens and climbing vines, Astoria has belonged to the Croes family for generations. Today, they open their doors to our guests, where history, local culture, hospitality, and a wonderful dinner come together beneath twinkling lights. It feels less like arriving at a restaurant and more like being welcomed home.
Looking for Things to Do in San Nicolas?
People looking for things to do in San Nicolas often come for the murals, Aruba street art, and great places to eat. They leave remembering something entirely different: the stories, the people, and the unexpected conversations.
Maybe that’s the real message of The Fading Prikichi: Slow down. Look a little closer. Curiosity has a wonderful way of rewarding those who make time for it.
Ready for an Authentic Aruba Experience?
The best stories are waiting to be discovered. If you want to experience the murals, culture, and history of this incredible district firsthand, join us for our curated Taste of San Nicolas tour. It’s the perfect way to see why San Nicolas is truly the heart of Aruba’s history and culture.
Carla Cavallaro
Brand Manager, Kukoo Kunuku & Jolly Pirates
Carla Cavallaro is the Brand Manager for Kukoo Kunuku and has spent more than 30 years building Jolly Pirates into one of Aruba’s most recognizable tour companies. She has called Aruba home for nearly 40 years and loves sharing the island’s culture, food, and gems with visitors. When she’s not working, Carla enjoys writing, painting, sailing, exploring Aruba’s art scene, and discovering new places around the island.