Bernhardstraat in San Nicolas glowed with Christmas lights for the first time in its history on Wednesday evening, October 14, as Prime Minister Mike Eman switched on the festive illumination in front of residents and volunteers.
The lighting, reported on October 16, makes San Nicolas the first district in Aruba to receive its Christmas lights this year — a symbolic choice meant to put the island’s second city in the spotlight. Note: the event took place October 14; the news was published October 16.
Ministers and volunteers at the switch-on
Prime Minister Mike Eman switched on the lights together with Minister Rene Herde. Diario’s account adds that Minister Wendrick Cicilia and parliamentarian Otami Thomasia were also present, alongside several volunteers, to witness the moment.
Part of a bigger revitalization
The lighting forms part of the Bernhardstraat revitalization project. According to Diario, a volunteer group has spent nearly six months painting houses along the street every Saturday, gradually giving the historic thoroughfare a fresh face.
Background
This article follows up on preparations for the lighting covered earlier this month, when the project was announced as a first for the street.
What happens next
San Nicolas was chosen as the first district to be lit this season, with other districts expected to follow as the holiday season approaches.
