There Is Always Something
to Do in Curacao by Justin Burch
 As
one of the Caribbean's less-crowded resort destinations, many travelers
might think that Curacao lacks the excitement of the region's more popular
islands. However, even if you visit Curacao in the tourist off-season,
you will find plenty of events and activities throughout the island. Here
you will find not only a description of some events taking place in upcoming
months, but also an overview of activities available year-round.
The month of April features
several small festivals and events throughout the island, each devoted
to elements of Curacao's uniquely Caribbean culture. The 9th of April features
the Harvest Parade - a celebration of the island's folkloric groups in
the town of Otrobanda. The following week boasts a four-day celebration
in honor of the Snoa synagogue, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. This
year, a full schedule of events and performances have been planned to mark
the structure's 275th birthday.
At the end of April, visitors
can participate in the 41st annual International Blue Marlin Release Tournament
- a unique fishing competition devoted to the preservation of this treasured
species. Meanwhile, the fishing village of Boca Sami hosts a two-day sailing
regatta event complete with live music, local food and plenty of Caribbean
fun. If sailing and fishing don't excite you, take part in the island-wide
celebration on April 30th - also known as Queen's Birthday. On this holiday,
you can't beat the festivities located in the Punda Market region of Curacao's
capital Willemstad. During the same week, you can also find plenty of live
entertainment and great cuisine at the International Food and Family Festival.
The month of May might be
one of the best times to visit Curacao. From great resort deals to some
of the best events anywhere in the region, Curacao is one of the Caribbean's
best early summer destinations. Celebrating its 20th year on the island,
the Curacao Jazz Festival has drawn visitors and performers from throughout
the world. The two-day festival puts a unique island spin on the traditional
jazz festival, offering some of the best live music anywhere in the Caribbean.
The final week of May also
features the popular Curacao Dive Festival, a favorite of experienced divers
and amateurs alike. With event sites throughout the island featuring guest
speakers, presentations, film viewings and once-in-a-lifetime dive opportunities
- the Curacao Dive Festival is a must for anyone interested in exploring
the majestic underwater treasures of the Caribbean.
Whether you plan to travel
to Curacao in the next few months or later in the year, there are always
plenty of activities for any type of tourist to enjoy. One of the island's
most popular attractions is the Curacao Seaquarium, a sprawling oceanfront
complex famous for its open-water system that constantly pumps seawater
into the holding tanks. Another family favorite is the Dolphin Academy
Curacao, a truly distinctive program that allows guests of all ages to
swim and interact with dolphins.
As Curacao is known worldwide
for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling sites, you will certainly
want to spend some time underwater. Equipment rentals and dive operators
are available year-round, so you don't have to worry about finding a tour
during the off-season. Furthermore, the weather always seems to be perfect.
You can enjoy Curacao's sunny, sandy beaches nearly every day of the year!
Curacao is also an excellent
shopping destination, regardless of season. The capital of Willemstad is
full of quaint shops selling everything from jewelry and handmade souvenirs
to exquisite Caribbean artwork. Like the island's more crowded neighbors,
Curacao also has a number of luxury shops and high-end duty free shops.
The most impressive of these is the renowned Harbor Duty Free Zone, the
largest duty free shopping area in the Caribbean. This 57-acre complex
houses an incredible display of clothing, perfume, jewelry and much more
- all at prices far below American outlets. When you make a purchase in
the Harbor Duty Free Zone, you don't even have to worry about carrying
it around for the rest of your trip - your goods will be transferred directly
to your flight or shipped to your home!
When planning their Caribbean
vacations, many travelers seem to forget about Curacao. However, if you
want to escape the crowds and visit some of the best events, find the most
picturesque dives and uncover the finest shopping in the Caribbean - just
remember that there is always plenty to see and do in Curacao.
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