Prostitution in Aruba Historical Context
The Red Light District of Sint Nicolaas
As a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, Aruba has developed a regulated environment for prostitution, primarily concentrated in the Red Light District of Sint Nicolaas. Prostitution in Aruba has a long history, dating back to the 1920s, when oil refineries were established on the island.
The influx of workers and sailors created a demand for sexual services, leading to the migration of many women to Aruba to cater to this need. In 1928, the Aruban government recognized this reality and set up a regulated area for prostitution in Sint Nicolaas, an oil refining town. This marked the beginning of formal regulation of sex work on the island.