It is always a good idea to know one’s culture. It will make you feel closer to the place and to the people. For this reason that we give you the culture of Curacao. Let us find out what makes this place a very popular tourist destination, aside from its beautiful beaches and amazing landscapes. 

The Curacao culture is world renowned because 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 attention in the tourism industry worldwide. It is a gathering of different cultural groups that participate in a roadmarch, showing their cultural heritage. 

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 market trade from different parts of the globe during the nineteenth century. Even its language (Papiamentu) is a variation of Portuguese, Spanish, and African languages that originated from the slaves that were part of the history of Curacao. Papiamentu is the most common language spoken on Curacao, but it is slowly diminishing in popularity. The Curacao government is trying to develop Papiamentu, and now it is being taught in their schools. 

Curacao music and dances are of mixed heritage too, but as time goes by the originality of the tradition is slowly losing ground. Like many countries worldwide, Curacao culture can only be recognized through their beliefs and attitudes. 

The strongest trait of the Curacao culture that the locals show is their love for music and dancing. This trait came from their African influence. This characteristic originated from the slaves, who came from Africa, and was passed along from 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) into drums, by covering them with dried goatskin. 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 staying 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 the present time, tambu is celebrated each year and famously known as the “Tambu Festival”.  Tambu is also performed in various festivities, like the “Curacao Carnival” and other cultural festivals. 

Curacao’s rich culture adds to the beauty of the place. One can say that they are music and festival loving people. So next time you visit Curacao, take time-out to be part of their festival, and experience their culture first-hand.