Must know Curacao Holidays

If your planning a vacation in Curacao then one of the things you definitely need to know is the different types of Curacao Holidays. In order to get the most out of your Curacao experience. But don’t fear Keycaribe is here! sharing with you the most common celebrated holidays in Curacao.

New Year’s Day Jan 1

After the year ends with a big bang, the first day of the New Year is traditionally a time for family gatherings. (Stores are closed). For several days the streets are littered with the red paper wrappings of thousands of firecrackers.

Carnival Monday Feb 16 Carnival Monday Feb 16

During the eight Carnival weeks, Curaçao is turned into one big melting pot of people having fun on and off the streets. It all culminates in the Grand March at Sunday, March 6 (Dates are subject to change) and is finished off with the Farewell Grand Parade at Tuesday evening 8 March. Monday, March 7, is an official public holiday.

Good Friday Apr 3

An official holiday on this largely Catholic island and the beginning of a weeklong spring break for schools. Like all school vacations, expect local beaches to be crowded. Grocery stores and markets do a record sale in fresh and salted fish on the previous days. Spring breath begins for schools, and lasts through the following week.

Easter Sunday

Local children are decked out in their spring finery for the traditional first communion celebrations, which are held between now and Ascension Day. (May 21 May) The Curacao Cultural Ministry organizes a major kite flying competition at the Waaigat Parking area in Punda.

Easter Monday / Seu Folklore Parade Apr 6

On the Monday after Easter local folklore groups wear traditional costumes and parade through the streets of Punda and Otrobanda, recalling the harvest festival of yesteryear. The groups, which range from young children to older people, play traditional musical instruments as they dance through the streets.

Koningsdag King’s Day Apr 27.

King’s birthday Willem Alexander.There are official celebrations at Fort Amsterdam and a festive atmosphere in Punda.On this day you can sell and buy almost all kind of things on the streets
and almost every store gives good discounts on sales!

Labor Day May 1

The government of Curaçao and labor unions organize special activities.

Ascension Day May 14

A popular time for first communion celebrations.

Flag Day Jul 2 Flag Day Jul 2. Dag van de Vlag

Celebrated with official ceremonies and cultural events at Plaza Brion and the Village of Barber.

Curaçao Day Oct 10. Dag Van Het Land Curaçao

Is an official non- working public holiday to commemorate the first anniversary of the date when Curaçao gained autonomous country status. As per the aforementioned Curaçao government announcement, October 10 will be an annual non-working public holiday, called “Curaçao Day”, from this year onward.

Special Curaçao Holidays

St. Nicolas Day Dec 5 St. Nicolas Day Dec 5 Or Sinterklaas
Children carefully set out their shoes on the eve, filled with grass for St. Nic`s horse. Those who have been well receive a gift, those who haven`t are afraid a “Zwarte Piet” will carry them back to Spain in a Sack. Local schools participate fully in the festivities look for jeeps full of Piets in blackface driving around residential areas throughout the week. It may surprise you to see local businesses decorated with caricatures of blackface Piet.

Fuik Day Or Fuik Dag

Is a Curaçao’s yearly recurring boat party in Fuik Bay on the first Sunday of the year with boats, booze, and DJ’s.
Since 2011 big DJ’s like Chuckie, Afrojack and others have played there, but who’s coming this year… On the first Sunday of the year (or the second if it’s bad timing) everything that floats comes to Fuik Bay for one big party on the water. Bring your inflatables and lots of booze because this is one big BYOB party on the water.