Paradera

Last updated
Paradera
Region
Little wooden house in Paradera, Aruba.JPG
A small wooden house in Paradera, Aruba
Location map Aruba.png
Red pog.svg
Paradera
Location of Paradera in Aruba
Coordinates: 12°32′00″N070°00′00″W / 12.53333°N 70.00000°W / 12.53333; -70.00000
Sovereign state Kingdom of the Netherlands
Country Aruba
Area
  Total
25.0 km2 (9.7 sq mi)
Population
 (2020) [1]
  Total
13,834
  Density553.4/km2 (1,433/sq mi)

Paradera is a small town and a census region in the central-northeastern part of Aruba. The census region Paradera encompasses the town of Paradera as well as nearby settlements and neighborhoods within Paradera, including Ayo, Bloemond, Piedra Plat, and Shiribana. At the time of the 2010 census, Paradera proper had a population of 2,486, and the Paradera census region had a population of 12,024. The area is known for its natural landmarks including Hooiberg, a conical hill rising approximately 165 m (541 ft), and the Casibari–Ayo diorite boulder formations, which feature ancient Arawak rock art. Though not a coastal resort zone, it is located close to Oranjestad, offering easy access to beaches and combines a laid-back residential atmosphere with vacation rentals, and local eateries.

Contents

Geography

The census town of Paradera is located the central-northeastern part of Aruba. [2] The census region Paradera encompasses the town of Paradera as well as nearby settlements and neighborhoods within Paradera, including Ayo, Bloemond, Piedra Plat, and Shiribana. [3] The region is characterised by flat-to-gently rolling terrain dotted with the Casibari and Ayo boulder fields. Hooiberg, a conical hill rises approximately 165 m (541 ft) above the terrain. [3]

Demographics

At the time of the 2010 census, the Paradera census region consisted of four settlements. Paradera proper had a population of 2,486, and the Paradera census region had a population of 12,024. [4]

NameMaleFemaleTotal
Shiribana1,7551,9453,700
Paradera1,2071,2792,486
Ayo1,5821,8363,418
Piedra Plat1,2031,2172,419
Total5,7476,27712,024

Until the previous census, the neighborhood of Bloemond was listed as a part of Paradera. [5]

Economy

The region is predominantly residential with a limited presence of vacation-rentals. Limited agriculture is seen near the base of Hooiberg. The area supports local eateries, artisanal shops, and niche tourism—especially centered around natural attractions like rock formations and pools. [6] [7] Though not a coastal resort zone, it is located close to Oranjestad, offering easy access to beaches. [3] The St. Philomena's Church, a Roman Catholic church, dominates the skyline relative to the rest of the town's buildings. [8] [9] Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins features remnants of a gold mine from the 19th century. [7] The Casibari–Ayo diorite boulder formations, feature ancient Arawak rock art, and the Museum of Antiquities Aruba exhibits artifacts from pre-ceramic times to the modern era and is located at Rococo Plaza in Paradera. [10] [11]


References

  1. "Aruba". 2020-10-01. Paradera. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  2. Paradera at GEOnet Names Server
  3. 1 2 3 "Paradera". Aruba Tourism Board. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  4. Aruba Central Bureau of Statistics (29 September 2010). Fifth Population and Housing Census, 2010: Selected Tables (PDF) (Report). p. 75. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  5. Aruba Central Bureau of Statistics (14 October 2000). Fourth Population and Housing Census, 2010: Selected Tables (PDF) (Report). p. 43. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  6. "Paradera". Bold Real Estate Aruba. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Paradera". Nomadic Niko travel guide. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  8. "St. Philomena at Paradera 51, Paradera (Aruba), Aruba (Filtered by: ) Aruba (NL)". Thecatholicdirectory.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  9. Klein, Rosalie (2013). Moon Aruba. Avalon Travel. ISBN   978-1612385143.
  10. "Paradera Park". The Aruba Wiki. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  11. Alofs, L. (2003). The Aruba Heritage Report (PDF). Aruba National Commission for Unesco. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 April 2012. ()