Second Edition of Fiesta di Cunucu Celebrates Seniors and Aruba's Primary Sector

The event brought together families, farmers, fishermen, and residents of all ages for a day featuring traditional Creole cuisine, fresh locally grown produce, live music, and special moments of recognition.

Fiesta di Cunucu is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Primary Sector, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Senior Care, the Department of Senior Affairs, and Santa Rosa's Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

The partnership combines two complementary missions: strengthening local food production while promoting the well-being, social engagement, and quality of life of Aruba's senior citizens. The event was a tremendous success, drawing hundreds of visitors to Santa Rosa to celebrate Aruba's agricultural traditions and enjoy everything the primary sector has to offer.

In addition to a marketplace featuring a wide variety of locally produced goods, the event honored the "Friends of Santa Rosa," a group of senior citizens who have dedicated many years to Aruba's primary sector and have maintained a close relationship with Santa Rosa.

Those recognized included:

• Luis Beltran Winterdaal, better known as Luee Bee, one of Aruba's best-known beekeepers;
• Francisco Simon Croes, known as Chico, a farmer from Tanki Leendert;
• Yasheng Li, a grower specializing in a variety of Asian vegetables;
• Elauterio Briesen, better known as Techi, who has been fishing since the age of sixteen; and
• Gregorio Wolff, who has managed a small family farm and livestock operation in Palm Beach since 1978 on land that has been in his family for generations.

The event encouraged meaningful interaction between generations while bringing the shared mission of both ministries to life.

"Fiesta di Cunucu demonstrates what can be achieved when two ministries work together toward a common vision. We celebrated our senior citizens, our local food production, and the traditions of Aruba's primary sector, and we did so in the most fitting place possible—our cunucu."