last edited Dec 11, 2019
Culture and Customs of Curaçao
Location Map of Curaçao
Curaçao
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Arts, crafts and architecture
Arts
Crafts
Architecture
Museums
Customs and traditions
Local traditions
Etiquette
Dress and behavior
Sensitive or taboo topics
Languages
Curaçao has the distinction of having three official languages: Dutch, English, and Papiamento, the latter being a creole language of the Dutch Antilles spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It is still widely used, as are English and Spanish (due to proximity to Latin America), in contrast to Dutch, which is primarily an administrative language with "symbolic" value. In short, with English and/or Spanish, you’ll have no trouble getting by on the island. French, however, is almost nonexistent there.
Glossary
A few useful local words and expressions to know when traveling:
Festivals and events
Major events and public holidays
January 1: New Year’s Day.
February: Carnival Monday.
March-April: Good Friday.
March-April: Easter Monday.
April 27: King’s Day.
May 1: Labor Day.
May: Ascension Day.
July 2: Flag Day.
October 10: Curaçao Day.
December 25: Christmas.
December 26: Boxing Day.