Well-known cultural advocate Jerry Franka of Stichting Rancho recently shared insights into the long-standing cultural and commercial exchanges between La Guajira, Colombia, and Aruba, particularly the historic neighborhood of Rancho.
In an interview with Diario Matutino, Franka explained that Aruba — and Rancho in particular — has maintained deep connections with La Guajira for many years. These ties strengthened especially during the development of the oil refinery, when many people from La Guajira migrated to Aruba to work for Lago. Historical trade routes also contributed to the relationship between the two regions.
Franka noted that visitors to La Guajira can easily recognize familiar Aruban and Antillean family names such as Arends, Tromp, Henriquez, and Pinedo, reflecting generations of family links and cultural blending. This shared heritage has strongly influenced the culture of Rancho and expanded its historical narrative.
He also shared his personal experiences visiting areas like Puerto Estrella, Manaure, Uribia, Dibulla, and other communities outside Riohacha. Over the past 10 to 15 years, these exchanges have grown even stronger through friendship, shared traditions, and mutual influence.
Additionally, Franka emphasized that these cultural interactions helped inspire the presentation of a new magazine in Aruba, produced under the guidance of María Isabel Camarga, a well-known figure dedicated to promoting cultural exchange between La Guajira, Rancho, and the broader Aruban community. The publication aims to present this shared history in a more accessible and meaningful way for the public.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/intercambio-cultural-y-comercial-cu-la-guajira-cu-aruba
