Curacao Day
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island that is home to approximately 155,000+ people and is well known for its hidden beaches and coral reefs. It became a country within the larger Dutch Kingdom on October 10, 2010. That special day is now commemorated with a holiday aptly known as Curaçao Day.
Curacao (Public holiday)This day replaced the previous Curaçao Holiday, which was celebrated on July 26 every year and commemorated the arrival of de Ojeda and Vespucci at the end of the 19th century. However, this holiday celebrates the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles and is observed annually on October 10.
The History of Curaçao Day
European forces first came into contact with Curaçao at the end of the 15th century when Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci visited the island. The Spanish used the Portuguese spelling of the word heart, “Corazon,” to name the island, but they decided not to establish a colony because they felt that the island lacked natural resources to exploit.
The Dutch West India Company claimed the island in 1634 and founded the capital city, Willemstad. The natural harbor of this city made it an important strategic location for the slave trade, piracy, and trade.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the island changed hands between the Dutch, the French, and the British, but in 1815, Dutch control was reestablished. In 1954, Curaçao was incorporated into the Netherlands Antilles.
This was an attempt to consolidate several Dutch colonies into one country. However, most citizens were not enthusiastic about this new country, which is why the dissolution of this country occurred on October 10, 2010.
Observing Curaçao Day
This holiday is observed with special festivals, parades, musical events, and other celebrations. It’s a day off for the general public, so people use the day to feast with their families or to attend other activities they wish to participate in.
Curacao (Public holiday)
