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.
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Curacao Liqueur
... 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 in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same taste as the original. At present, the liquor has many flavors. The name "Curacao liqueur" is now generic and can be based on...
The Curacao Flag
... 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. Curacao History It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies and cultural events. Some events are held at Otrobanda. There is also a historical Curacao flag that many experts believe is doubtful. It is said to be very much alike with the Dutch flag only it has a Coat of Arms in the center (which is not the official coat of arms of Curacao. The coat of arms that is used on this particular flag is a ship. More specifically it is a ship of the Netherlands West India Company. Experts say that this particular flag can't be...
Curacao At A Glance
... adopted by the Portuguese, hence, the name Curacao. The official language is Dutch. Papiamentu or Papiamento (the local language that was derived from the Portuguese, Spanish, and African dialects by the slaves) English and Spanish are widely spoken. Curacao's first inhabitants were the Arawak Amerindians and were later decimated by the Spanish expedition of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. Rediscovered by the Dutch in 1634 but was ignored by colonist due to lack of resources such as gold which Curacao History was what most colonists seek. Curacao then proved its worth in commerce and shipping trade. Curacao is famous for its beaches and diving spots. Over 35 beaches with a wide variety, some surrounded by cliffs and rocks others by flora and fauna, 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...
Curacao Island Map
... will no doubt let you get around the island pretty well. A laptop would have been the best tool to access sites 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...
Map Of Curacao
... 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 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 search it on a web based search engine (www.google.com or www.yahoo.com is highly recommended.). When choosing for a map, make sure that it is durable. With the wear and tear, most maps easily deteriorate after a few days of use. Some maps that are for sale on the internet, are glossy or laminated. Be sure that the map you will buy is of high quality. It is very important for a traveler or a...
Curacao Culture
... its culture. The Curacao culture is world renowned because of it is influenced by African and European cultures. One of the distinguishing marks of the famed Curacao culture is its festivities. Curacao's yearly festivity (which is also known as "Curacao Carnival") is rapidly gaining the attention in the tourism industry worldwide. It is a gathering of different cultural groups that participate in a roadmarch, showing their cultural heritage. Most people don't know that the Curacao community is composed of more that 42 ethnic groups (mostly of African and European descent). Because of its strategic location and the Dutch motivated religious freedom, it has attracted trade market from different parts of the globe during the nineteenth century. Even its language (Papiamentu) is a variation of Portuguese, Curacao History Spanish, and African language that originated from the slaves that was part of the history of Curacao. The Papiamentu is (Curacao language) the most...
Curacao Photos
... do bring loads of film or an extra memory 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. Curacao History 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 that have played significant roles in history can still be seen in Curacao. Old plantation...
Maps Of Curacao
... in the Caribbean. The website has 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 Curacao History download and has details of major roads and highways of Curacao. * http://www.frommers.com/ - A very useful website that doesn't only book you for your trip but also offers tips and news of the place you want to go. It has maps of Curacao that is downloadable and free. Also has articles of famous places and excerpts from its guidebooks and a message board for you to post your message. There are many websites of which you can obtain maps of Curacao. Just compare the maps that you have found and choose the map that is suitable for the trip that you will be making. It is...
Sports In Curacao
... that offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all Curacao History 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 every resort in Curacao have kayaking or canoeing equipments. If don't know yet, hiking is also one popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered on Curacao. One can go horseback riding for an hour or for the whole day. One of the all-time favorite sports in Curacao is golf. Yes, golf. Curacao has not one but...
Curacao Island
... day). The total annual rainfall is only 22 inches. The local population is over 130,000 and is made up of 55 nationalities. Curacao island's capital city is Willemstad. It is 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 Curacao History 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...
Avila Beach Hotel Curacao
... 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. 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 international menu under starry skies and gentle breeze. Offering real Curacao food and live entertainment, Belle Terrace is a must on Wednesday's with its "Antillean Curacao History Night". "Grill Night"...
Curacao Map
... 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 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 have a Curacao map. Although it isn't as detailed as the one mentioned above, this is a Curacao Map and Hotel Locator. It shows the where the first class hotels and resorts are. If you want to go to a particular area in Curacao and...
Curacao Vacations
... 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 will give you more than just a place to spend the night at. Reasons for Curacao vacations vary. Some may want to see the breathtaking beaches and indulge in water sports. Others may just want to bond with nature. Some may want to see and document the historic structures. A few may just be interested in the duty-free shopping. But to get the best out of your vacation, it is advisable to visit all the famous sights. If you happen to be a beach babe, take the time out to fold your towel and explore the countryside as well. If you're into history and other art stuff, make sure you spend a day just lounging at the beach. Whatever your interests are,...
Curacao Tourism
... flourished throughout Curacao, as the demand in tourism increased. Curacao's tourists compose mostly of Europeans, South Americans and their Caribbean neighbors. Now, Curacao is attracting tourists from different parts of the globe, mostly, from the United States and Canada. With over a half a million visitors annually (of which over 300,000 are from cruise ships.). Though not really promoting mass market, the Curacao Tourism Board (CTB) is 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 Games
... that a lot of games can actually be played in Curacao. Being a highly-regarded beach site, water activities are very much popular. From snorkeling, to deep sea diving, to kayaking, to windsurfing, Curacao hotels and resorts provide these choices to guests. Curacao games also include mountain biking. It recently hosted for the first time, the MTB World Cup Series. It was a major adjustment for bikers who were used to winter temperatures, but they all agreed that swimming, and other outdoor Curacao History activities are done way better in Curacao. Biking enthusiasts will love the challenge 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...