When we were creating Kukoo Kunuku's Taste of San Nicolas experience, I knew the colorful Sara-Quita mural, framed by beautiful roses, had to be our very first stop.
When my son was growing up, like so many other local children, he spent weekends learning to windsurf at the Huts. Our kids grew up on that beach. Like many parents, we all remember watching Sara-Quita flying across the water.
Who gets a beach named after them?
Sara-Quita does.
Today, we begin every Taste of San Nicolas experience right beside her mural. We step off the bus and introduce our guests to one of Aruba's great success stories before they see anything else.
With 28 World Championship titles and countless international awards, Sara-Quita has inspired generations of young Arubans. Even more impressive, she's remained humble, approachable and a wonderful role model.
Today, her mural stands just steps from the San Nicolas Public Library, where local children pass by every day. I can't think of a better place to celebrate one of Aruba's great role models.
That's what I love most about creating Taste of San Nicolas. Yes, you'll discover beautiful San Nicolas murals, colorful Aruba street art, local flavors and hidden corners. But you'll also discover the remarkable people behind the murals and leave with a deeper appreciation for Aruba and its people.
If you're looking for unique things to do in Aruba, or wondering what to do in San Nicolas, don't just admire the murals. Take a little time to discover the people behind them.
I think you'll leave loving this town as much as I do.
Sara-Quita Offringa is an Aruban professional windsurfer whose international career has made her one of the island's most celebrated athletes. Growing up in Aruba, she learned to windsurf in the same waters where generations of local children have learned the sport.
The beach formerly known locally as the Huts was renamed in her honor, recognizing her extraordinary achievements in windsurfing and the pride she has brought to Aruba.
For those of us who remember watching her on the water long before her name appeared on the beach, the tribute feels especially fitting.
The Sara-Quita mural is in San Nicolas, near the San Nicolas Public Library. Surrounded by painted roses, it celebrates not only an internationally successful athlete but an Aruban role model whom local children can see represented in the heart of their own community.
It's also where we begin Taste of San Nicolas.
San Nicolas has become known for its extraordinary street art, but the murals become much more meaningful when you know the stories behind them.
That's one of the reasons I created Taste of San Nicolas. The experience isn't simply about looking at murals. It's about meeting San Nicolas through its art, history, food and, most importantly, its people.
And Sara-Quita's story is where ours begins.
Carla Cavallaro
Brand Manager, Kukoo Kunuku & Jolly Pirates | Creator of Taste of San Nicolas
Carla Cavallaro has called Aruba home since 1989 and helped launch Jolly Pirates in 1997. She created Taste of San Nicolas, a curated food, art and culture experience inspired by the remarkable people, stories and character of Aruba's Sunrise City. She contributes stories to Yummy Aruba, part of Aruba Wine and Dine, sharing Aruba's people, history, culture and places visitors might otherwise miss.
Read more of her stories at Kukoo Kunuku and Jolly Pirates.
