Curaçao

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – Northern coast of South America
• Currency symbol of Curaçao –Netherlands Antillean guilder
• Capital City –Willemstad
• Official languages –Papiamentu; Dutch; English
• Population – 159,849 (2018)
• Country dialling code  –  (+599 )
• Official website – Curaçao
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Tourism, Petroleum Refining, Petroleum Transshipment Facilities
• Google Maps link –Curaçao
• Where is it? –Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its beaches tucked into coves and its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life. The capital, Willemstad, has pastel-colored colonial architecture, floating Queen Emma Bridge and the sand-floored, 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.

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Curaçao In Pictures

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Curaçao History

• How did the country get its first name? –One explanation is that it is derived from the Portuguese word for heart (coração), referring to the island as a centre in trade. Another is that it comes from a name the Indian natives called themselves “Qúracao”. 
• How did the country get its current name? -Spanish traders took the name over as Curaçao, which was followed by the Dutch. 
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The earliest human remains date to form 1900 – 1730 BC. Artefacts have also been found indicating presence much earlier. The first Europeans to sight Curaçao were Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci in 1499.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – The Amerindian Arawaks were the first known inhabitants of Curaçao, around 6000 years ago.
• When it was first recognized as a country? –Curaçao became a constituent country within the Netherlands 10 October 2010.
• Who was the first leader of the country? –Curaçao’s first Prime Minister was Gerrit Schotte.

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Five Significant Events 

1. Carnival: If there’s one thing Curacao loves, it’s carnival. The streets turn into a stage for graceful dances and summer clothes are replaced by colorful costumes with of course lots of music. (https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/10-best-events-on-curacao)
2. PietermaaiPagara XXL: There is no better place to ring in the New Year than in Pietermaai on Curacao. (https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/10-best-events-on-curacao)
3. Fuikdag: The first Sunday of the year on Curacao is known as Fuikdag. (https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/10-best-events-on-curacao)
4. Pasta e Basta: The idea behind Pasta e Basta is simple: delicious Italian food and drinks, served by singing waiters. The singing is as varied as the food, ranging from opera to pop music. (https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/10-best-events-on-curacao)
5. Plein Air: During the Plein Air festival, painters present their interpretation/art of Curacao in the form of a painting. The air, land and sea play important roles in these paintings. (https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/10-best-events-on-curacao)

Five Places to Visit in Curaçao

1. Handelskade: is the #1 attraction in Willemstad. This historical waterfront street features a row of colorful colonial Dutch houses. In 1817, after being plagued by recurring headaches, which he blamed on the glare of white houses, Governor-genergal Albert Kikket passed a law that pastel colors must be used on all buildings. This is why all the buildings here and in Willemstad are so vibrant. (https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/)
2. Queen Emma Bridge: is a long pontoon bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda. The bridge was built in 1888 and was completely renovated in 1939. It is hinged and opens regularly to let ships pass. The locals have given the bridge the nickname “Our Swinging Old Lady” as it will swing to the Otrabanda side of Willemstad. Try to be on the bridge (next to Punda) when it opens. This will give you the opportunity sway into the water and you can also capture some beautiful photos of Handelskade from there. (https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/)
3. Floating Market: a network of boats from Venezuela loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables and sometimes even seafood. Here you can find bananas, avocados, yuca and even sugar cane at a super low price. If you’re looking to take pictures of the boats, pass the market and go to the next bridge. (https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/)
4. Plasa Bieu: which is the old market. It used to be where women would sell food but is now a modern food court. I recommend you come for lunch to see all the action! If you’re adventurous then try some Iguana meat, a local delicacy! (https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/)
5. There are many forts in Willemstad: The three that you should visit are Fort Amsterdam, Rif Fort and Fort Nassau. Fort Amsterdam it is the most important fort on the island and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Today, the fort houses the Governor’s office, Council of Ministers and government offices. The Rif Fort dates back to 1828 and is in Otrobanda. Today it’s a shopping center with restaurants, bars, an ice cream parlor and a terrace on the harbor. Here you can get some of the best views of Fort Amsterdam and Otrobanda! (https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/)

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References: 

• https://davidsbeenhere.com/2016/09/06/10-things-curacao/
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Curacao 
• https://www.curacaohistory.com/the-origin-of-the-name-curacao