Rincon

Rincon Village is the oldest village on Bonaire. Additionally, it is the oldest in continual existence within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.   

Originally settled by the Spanish in the early 1500’s, Rincon was strategically nestled within a valley to ward off impending danger from pirates and other threats.  

Slaves were brought to Bonaire and worked tending crops and in the salt pans.  Slaves lived in Rincon with families and walked to the salt pans in the south to work, and stayed there for the work week.  They returned to Rincon to gather supplies at Mangazina di Rei (King’s store house), and family visits before heading back to the salt pans.