After being colonized by European cultures, often having
slave populations from Africa, and natives as well, the
Caribbean Islands
have intertwined beliefs and religious systems to form
something new or at least remix the old. Jamaica
has Rastafarianism, Christianity with some new ideas;
Trinidad
and Tobago have a well-sized Hindu population; and
Jews and Muslims are also scattered throughout the islands.
Aruba was colonized by both the Spanish and the Dutch
and so has a strong history as a Catholic island. Even
today, most of the population is Catholic. While there
are many religions represented on the island, it is the
Aruba churches that draw those of all faiths.
The Lourdes Grotto is possibly the most well-known religious
site on Aruba. Located near San Nicolas in the southern
part of the island, away from most of the action on the
island, the Lourdes Grotto is peaceful and set away from
much of the tourist activity. A grotto is either a natural
or artificial cave used by humans, and this Aruba grotto
became a religious site when a church placed a large statue
of the Virgin Mary into a rocky hillside called Seroe
Preto in 1958. The Lourdes Grotto is named after the region
in southern France
where the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant girl. The
statue was placed in Aruba to mark the one hundred fiftieth
anniversary of this appearance. Another Aruba grotto is
located across the street and, as an extra treat for visitors,
parakeets live all around this area. Every year on February
11, a procession travels from the St. Theresita Church
located in San Nicolas to the Lourdes Grotto Aruba for
mass.
Other Aruba churches and religious sites are also excellent
ways to add a little something extra to your visit here.
The Chapel
of Alto Vista or Pilgrim’s Church was Aruba’s
first chapel. Built by the Spanish and natives, the chapel
is bright yellow and located on a hill. The surrounding
views are beautiful. White crosses lining the pathway
to this Catholic church in Aruba mark the stations of
the cross.
The Santa Ana Catholic Church in Aruba is another great place to visit. Also called the Church of Noord, this structure is the finest example of neo-gothic architecture in the Caribbean. It was first built in 1776, but the structure left today has been rebuilt twice, and is located just outside of Oranjestad.
The oldest original religious structure on the island is Aruba’s protestant church. A terracotta roof, wooden shutters, and folk art decorate the exterior of the church. Usually, the doors are locked, but visitors can explore the grounds and Bible museum nearby. Although the Jewish population on the island is small, there is also the Beth Israel Synagogue that welcomes visitors both Jewish and not Jewish.
Whether you are visiting an Aruba
grotto or any of the Aruba churches, this islands religious
history often takes you a bit off the beaten tourist path
and is an interesting and peaceful addition to any itinerary.
