Must Read: History, Culture, and Facts About Curaçao
Maya Pillai
Nestling in the southern part of the Caribbean, and the least known of the "ABC" islands, is a hidden gem known as Curaçao .
The cave paintings in Christoffel National Park show that the Arawak Indians were first settlers in Curaçao.
In 1400's the Spanish conquered this island.
In 1600's, the Dutch West India Company displaced the Spaniards and ruled this island.
Willemstad is the capital city which served as a commerce and trade center.
Dutch set up plantations through the 18th and 19th centuries growing fruits, peanuts, maize and salt mining.
Though Curaçao came under the British rule, the Treaty of Paris in 1815 saw the return of Curaçao to the Dutch. During the British reign, the English language was introduced here.
In 2005, Curaçao spurned full independence from the Netherlands.
However, the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010 saw Curaçao become a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It is believed that the
name
Curaçao was taken
from the Portuguese
word
coração which means "heart."
Curaçao is a cultural hub with 65 different nationalities living on the small island.
The natives speak several languages including English, Spanish,Dutch, and Portuguese. Papiamento (Papiamentu ) is the official language of Curaçao.
Curacaoans drink purified sea water. The tap water is distilled directly from the sea and is completely safe to drink.
Willemstad was named after the governor Willem II van Oranje. He was the Prince of Oranje-Nassau dynasty.
The mansions and buildings are dutch-styled and are very colorful. A dutch governor wanted the buildings and houses to be painted in a different color as white was very reflective.
The iconic Queen Emma Bridge that connects Otrobanda with Punda is known as the "Swinging Old Lady." The bridge is the longest pontoon in the world at 170 meters, and it floats over the Sint Anna Bay.
Iguanas are seen in plenty in this island. Restaurant Jaanchies is the only licensed restaurant to use Iguana in their culinary creations.
Klein Knip beach has pristine sands and amazing bright hues of the Caribbean sea.
Though the island is under the Hurricane Belt, Curaçao rarely experiences a
hurricane.
Curacao is known as a desert island. The reason is due to its scanty rainfall.
One souvenir that you would like to carry home from here is Chichi - means "big sister".
To taste the traditional home-cooked meals, head out to Marshe Bieu. Here, the Curacaoan women cook authentic stews all day long.