Culture
Curacao is an island of color. As a Canadian I can honestly say that everyone is so kind and ready to celebrate live :) Here are some dates that you cannot miss.
Carnival: Curaçao's Carnival is one of the largest and most colorful in the Caribbean, and it is celebrated in the weeks leading up to Lent. The festival includes parades, music, dancing, and colorful costumes. The festival dates back to the 19th century and has its roots in African and European traditions.
Seú (Harvest) Festival: The Seú Festival is a traditional harvest festival that is celebrated in September or October. The festival includes music, dancing, and the traditional "seú" procession, which features people dressed in traditional costumes and carrying baskets of fruit and vegetables. The festival has its roots in West African traditions and was brought to Curaçao by enslaved Africans.
Curaçao International Film Festival Rotterdam (CIFFR): This film festival is held annually in Willemstad, Curaçao, and features a selection of independent films from around the world. The festival was established in 2012 and is a partnership between the International Film Festival Rotterdam and Fundashon Bon Intenshon.
Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival: The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival is a three-day music festival held in August that features international and local jazz, soul, and R&B artists. The festival was first held in 2010 and has since become one of the largest music festivals in the Caribbean.
Dia di Rincon: Dia di Rincon is a cultural festival that is celebrated in the village of Rincon in April. The festival includes music, dancing, food, and a traditional horse parade. The festival has its roots in the island's African and indigenous heritage and is one of the oldest and most traditional festivals on the island.
Sukkot: Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish festival that is celebrated in the fall. The festival commemorates the Jewish people's journey through the desert during their exodus from Egypt, and it involves building temporary outdoor shelters or booths (sukkahs) and eating meals inside them. The festival has been celebrated on the island of Curaçao since the arrival of Jewish settlers in the 17th century, and it is still observed by the island's Jewish community today.
The Jewish community has had a significant impact on the culture and history of Curaçao, and Sukkot is just one example of their continued influence. The island's amazing Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which was built in 1732, is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere and is a popular tourist attraction. Curaçao's Jewish community has also made significant contributions to the island's economy and society, and their legacy can be seen throughout the island's architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions.
