A quick look at Curacao’s past.
Ever wondered how Curacao came to be? Did you know how it got to be called as such?
Curacao history can be traced as far back as 6,000 years ago during the Amerindian Arawaks days. They traveled and settled on islands. The group Caiquetios, were the ones who found the island, thus giving it its name.
More famous stories of Curacao history are those of Christopher Columbus’ famous voyages. It was believed that Alonso de Ojeda, one of his lieutenants, discovered Curacao around 1499. It was also said that Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian, was with Ojeda when he found Curacao. Some stories have it that during the voyage, Vespucci’s men suffered from scurvy. Vespucci was said to have left these men on the island, only to find out on his return that they were all well. It was presumed that the fruits on the island were rich in Vitamin C, thus curing the sailors. He was said to have named it Curacao which means “cure” in Portuguese. Being Italian, and Ojeda being a Spaniard, this version is quite absurd but is more famous and more interesting than the others.
Some people say though that Curacao’s original name which was Curazon, was given by Spaniards to mean “heart”. However changes have converted it to the Portuguese form which is Curacao.
Anyway, more than a hundred years later, the Spanish government was thrown out when the Dutch conquered Curacao. The Dutch put up plantations all over the island. The landhuizen structures are still very visible today, some of which are converted into restaurants and other establishments. Famous Dutch activity was the slave-trade, beckoning the start of the Papiamentu language. This became the primary form of communication, being a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and African dialects.
The 18th century is significant in Curacao history. The British tried to overthrow the Dutch plenty of times until everything was settled by the Treaty of Paris. Curacao was rewarded back to the Dutch, slavery was totally abolished but the economy was slow.
The early 19th century opened new doors with the discovery of oil. Soon Curacao and Aruba were distilling crude oil for a Venezuelan oil company. World War II made Curacao a part of the Netherland Antilles along with Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
Whichever Curacao history is true, all of them are very interesting. Some may just be figments of someone’s imagination or a story pieced together with other stories. One thing is common to all these tales though, Curacao history is as colorful as the place that it is today.
Posted by admin in Travel
Curacao Liqueur
... sweet became bitter, almost inedible. The plan to farm the Valencia oranges was then abandoned and the Valencia oranges grew wild. It was then discovered decades later that if the peels of the Valencia fruit was dried thoroughly in the sun, it would produce oil with a surprising pleasant fragrance. A recipe was then developed by a Jewish family (Senior family) in Curacao. The oil was mixed with various exotic spices. With this came the "Curacao liqueur". The same family then marketed the product. They made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available Curacao History in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same taste as the...
Curacao At A Glance
... they all have the same clear turquoise waters. Because the unusual feature that is locally known as the "blue edge", Curacao's sea floor drops off just a Curacao History few hundred meters from the shore where one can go diving without a boat. Curacao has a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most frequented is the Fort Amsterdam. Curacao is also famous for its fine liqueur which is made of locally grown oranges. Curacao's local cuisine is very delicious and unique. This is because it is a mix of different cultures; the taste varies as its residents. The best tasted are the nasi goring, bami, and kabritu. Music is important to Curacao. Curacao has some sort of music carnival where...
The Curacao Flag
... similar of the Dutch flag. Even if Curacao is under Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has its own flag. The Curacao flag is blue in color and has two five-pointed stars, the smaller star is on the upper left of the other star. A yellow stripe cuts horizontally near the center. Have you ever wondered what's the meaning of two stars and the single yellow stripe of the Curacao flag? The two white stars represent the two islands of Curacao; Curacao and small Curacao or also known as Klein Curacao (a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao). The yellow stripe depicts the sun dividing the blue sky and blue sea (that's why the color of the Curacao flag is blue). The five points of the star symbolizes the five continents of which the local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao History Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber...
Curacao Island Map
... like this especially while you're driving. Visiting Google Earth is highly recommended because it will provide you driving directions. Driving tips, signs and directions can also be found at www.curacao-travelguide.com . So if at one point you find yourself somewhat unsure which road to take, a few clicks will give you the right answer. But if laptop is not an option, internet caf s are available in Curacao as well. Handled by a GSM network, you can actually go online in a caf and let them print out all these in-depth maps as well as the Curacao Island map. Traveling in a foreign place like Curacao can be stressful. What's with the hassles of trying to speak their language or letting them understand yours, getting around the island shouldn't add more trouble. A Curacao Island map along with thorough maps of Willemstad and other popular places will definitely make...
Map Of Curacao
... certain places. Make sure that the map you have has a detailed description of the location of hotels, resorts, beaches and places where one can have a good time. There are lots of websites that offers map of Curacao. You can either buy them or just go to a site that has a picture of a map of Curacao. If you are thinking of buying I suggest you go to www.ebay.com. Just enter "map of Curacao" on the search bar and eBay will do the rest. But if you want, you can print some on www.curacao-travelguide.com. Although the map isn't exactly detailed, it still is useful as to where one can Curacao History find a place to enjoy because it has a brief description as to what is in the area and what to expect. The most likely you could do is order online. There are a lot of websites that offer maps of Curacao. All have to do is...
Curacao Culture
... passed along generation to generation. Known as "tambu", this African tradition is an ancient form of dance and music. The main foundation of "tambu" is drumming. Farm tools were the first instruments used by the slaves. The slaves later on converted cargo containers, which are hollow, and covered it with dried goatskin into drums. The rhythm is accompanied by a type of dance called "baila ban". In this form of dance, the partners only make contact through their bodies and hips, with the feet leaving in place while dancing through the rhythm of the drums. Although this tradition was banned by the slave masters and the Catholic Church, this tradition somehow survived. At present time tambu is celebrated each year and famously known as "Tambu Festival"; tambu is also perform in various festivities, like the "Curacao Carnival" and other cultural festivals. One...
Curacao Photos
... card. Curacao has a lot of good places for you to visit. From the time you check in at your chosen hotel, your camera won't get to rest. Most hotels and resorts have impressive structures that will enthrall you. Beaches will take a lot of film too. With their crystal clear water and the long stretches of white sand, they're definitely a photographer's paradise. Water activities like snorkeling and diving will allow you to capture incredible underwater images. Almost all of Curacao's hotels and resorts have well-tended gardens, where different bird species are frequent visitors. Visits to famous sights will add to your Curacao photos. A peek at the Hato Caves will give you more than a bunch of photos to bring home. Countryside visit will take you to the unspoiled nature of Curacao. Horseback riding and jeep safaris will surely let you bond with nature. Magnificent old structures...
Maps Of Curacao
Just choose a map that you may find useful. * http://www.ebay.com - A highly popular web based search engine that lets you search for anything that is for auction. Just key-in "maps of Curacao" then click "Search" and eBay will do the rest. Highly recommended for those who want to search for things at a low price. * http://www.curacao-travelguide.com - This website offers information of hotels, car rentals, beaches and even weather. The only setback of the map that they offered is that the map only shows popular places and tourist spots on Curacao. It doesn't show any details like the roads and highways of Curacao, but the map is quite informative. * http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/ - A website that lets you make bookings of hotels in the Caribbean. The website has Curacao History a large array of maps of Curacao which you can order. This site offers a detail map of Curacao which shows hotels and resorts of which you can download and has details of major roads and highways of Curacao....
Curacao Island
... the only city in Netherlands Antilles. Curacao island is one of the five islands that made up of the Netherlands Antilles (the other islands are Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saint Eustatius and Saba). Their official language is Dutch. Most of the population speaks English, Spanish and Papiamento (a combination Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese language). Willemstad, Curacao island's capital is home of the island's rich culture and history. The capital city has much to offer, from shopping to sightseeing to dining and most especially the festivities. While Willemstad is said to be the island's cultural center, there are other region of the island that is worth visiting. Curacao island may be the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao History it is still small enough for travelers to venture parts of the islands all through their vacation. Curacao Island has a unique blend of the "Old...
Sports In Curacao
... that Curacao is the place to be when if you want your money's worth. Deep-sea fishing is also one of the popular sport in Curacao. With its temperate waters and a wide variety of Atlantic game fishes (Sailfish, Blue and White Marlin, Shark, Barracuda, Kingfish, Wahoo, Bonito, Amberjack and Blackfin, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna); Curacao is a place favored by deep-sea fishers. With over 13 knots of wind blowing all year round, Curacao present a great opportunity for windsurfing. There are some skilled professional that offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all year round. There are shops that offer sailing equipments for rent. On the beach, there are lots of sporting activities. Beach volley is the most popular of them. We all know that if wherever there is a beach there is also beach volley. Kayaking or canoeing is also a popular sports in Curacao. Almost...
Avila Beach Hotel Curacao
... mansion, it was used in the past as a boys' boarding school, a private place of residence, and even as a private hospital. Throughout the years, the Avila Beach Hotel Curacao has undergone extensive renovations. Two beautiful wings were added on each side of the original structure. The first addition, La Belle Alliance houses the deluxe and suite rooms. All rooms have balconies that provide magnificent ocean views have a modern yet ancient appeal. The newest addition is the west wing called Blues Wing. The wooden-structure idea was conceptualized by Dan C. Duckham, an architect from Florida. Curacao History Housing 20 premium deluxe rooms in its 2-storey-high structure, this wing offers guests an impressive view of the Blues pier with breathtaking sunrise and sunset. Dining in the Avila Beach Hotel Curacao won't be a problem. The Belle Terrace offers you superb local and...
Curacao Map
... a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you Curacao History can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where you can...
Curacao Vacations
... thing. Restaurants in beautiful historic structures provide guests with delectable local and international menus. Open-air restaurants give diners a feel of how nice it is to dine under the stars. Live entertainment is a favorite among the locals. Whether it's jazz music or a Mexican salsa beat, people always have a good time dining in these places. Carnivals are also the primary reasons for Curacao vacations. Street-dancing with the locals to the Tumba beat is a tourist's favorite party experience. Running from early January to the end of Curacao History February or March, these carnivals are popular tourists' attraction. The hotels and resorts of Curacao promise to make one's visit not just pleasant but memorable as well. With their enticing beaches, rooms with splendid views, charming restaurants, and outstanding service, accommodations...
Curacao Tourism
... aiming to double its North American visitors (over 40,000 to 80,000 annually.). Curacao is slowly making itself known worldwide in the tourism industry. The Curacao tourism industry is far from what we call a fully developed one. The Curacao Tourism Board is working hard to make Curacao competitive in the world of tourism. One of the many projects they are currently working on is the modernization of the Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport). With the awareness of a new tourism industry, hotels recreational facilities in Curacao are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world. The main factor of Curacao's tourism is its uniqueness from most of the other the Caribbean destination. It gives a different experience, very rich in its historical and cultural heritage, is known to be the best diving in the world; though underdeveloped, and offers a great quality of...
Curacao Games
... when biking through Curacao's narrow and twisty paths. Bikes and motorcycles are available for rent. One is also allowed to choose his own route. Other favorite outdoor activities are hiking and jeep safaris. More beautiful scenery can be seen if you opt to explore Curacao. Guided horse-back riding is also available along Curacao's well-preserved nature. And just when you thought Curacao games stop there, think again. Curacao has two bowling places to go to. So bowling buffs can still enjoy their favorite game even if they're a thousand miles from home. And what better way to spend the day than to go bird-watching! Curacao is home to more than a hundred bird species. So whether you're curled up with a good book on the beach, or following your bike trail, you're sure to come across some of these winged creatures. Chess and indoor karting are well-known Curacao games as well. Curacaoans have their Curacao Open chess tournament and an indoor karting lane called Tracks that offers other amenities like...