LOVE AND CALYPSO IN A REFINERY TOWN

On January 26th, at the Scol di Arte, the 10th edition of the Calypso Heritage Week was organized by Gregory Richardson. During this event, titled “Love and Calypso in a refinery town,” there was a focus on storytelling, specifically the story of San Nicolas. The story took place between the 1950s and late 1980s and centered around a couple who migrated to Aruba, met there during the days of the Lago, and fell in love.

As the story continues, it follows the couple through different phases of what was happening in Aruba at the time. While the story is fictional, it is inspired by real events—the days of the Lago and San Nicolas when things were “booming” and popular. The event blended this story with historical facts based on research, accompanied by various songs—mainly calypso, but also some merengue and ballads.

Each song performed by different calypsonians and community performers told a story about specific periods in Aruba’s history. The performance sequence included:

• St. Maarten: The National Anthem.
• Dominican Republic: Featuring a rendition of Juan Luis Guerra and the 4.40 song “Guavaberry,” representing the path of many island immigrants.
• Curaçao: Followed by a move to the next stage of the journey.
• Aruba: Featuring the late Aruban calypsonian Young Quick silver’s “The Village Good and the Village Bad,” and Lord Boxoe expressing his love for San Nicolas and the Lago through music.
• Other Performances: Included “Gege” (one of his famous songs), “When the Village Burning Down,” and “When Lago Closes Its Doors”.
• The Mighty Sparrow: A love story about “Maria” in connection with Aruba.
• Conclusion: The event concluded with Mighty Talent’s song, “There’s No Place Like Aruba,” finalizing the journey through various historical periods via musical accompaniment.