The Richness of Curacaos Local Culture

Bon bini na Kòrsou! Welcome to Curacao! The island where the letter C doesn’t exist in the written local language and where an Afro-Caribbean energy inhabits the streets of Willemstad infused with a distinct Dutch flavor. This atypical Caribbean Island is a fascinating language and cultural melting pot where all of the inhabitants cohabit.

Dive into a colorful journey as you witness the traces that were left behind by explorers that once
called this island under the wind their ”home”. While visiting some of the caves of the island, you will be able to witness signs of the Arawak Indians that were the first to settle on the north side of the island of Curacao while the Spanish water, which is located in the south, will remind you of the leading Europeans that took over Curacao in 1499. The Dutch then seized the island in 1634, who saw Curacao as the ideal place to establish a major center of trade. As you let yourself be tempted by the famous Blue Curaçao Liqueur from the Jewish Senior family, you will also learn that the island is home to the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.

“Bon bini na Kòrsou! Welcome to Curacao!”

From its colonization, the growth of its maritime activities, and the slavery period followed
by emancipation, the island has created a unique character for itself which is carried in the architecture, people’s customs, and the uniqueness of the food.

Once you visit Curacao, be ready to baila your way through its famous Karnival, to be renamed Dushi as you walk in the alleys of Punda, to eat French fries with mayonnaise where Dutch treats
are served and disfruta everything this Caribbean gem has to offer.

Learn Papiamentu

Bon bini na Kòrsou = Welcome to Curaçao
Bon dia = Good morning
Bon tardi = Good afternoon
Bon nochi = Good evening / Good night
Bon siman = Happy week
Kon ta bai? = How are you?
Hopi bon = Really good!
Mi ta bon, kon ta ku bo? = I’m fine, how are you?
Mi tin un pregunta = I have a question
Por fabor = Please
Masha danki = Thank you very much!
Ayo = Goodbye
Dushi = This is the most popular word on the island!
You are dushi, the sun is dushi, the food is
dushi!