Curaçao has a full calendar of festivities that
delight local residents as well as visitors. Major holidays, such as
Carnival and Christmas, spread a decidedly festive atmosphere over the
entire Island. Banks and other businesses are decked out with streamers,
balloons and other decorations befitting the occasion. Expect beaches to be
crowded on holidays and during school vacations.
Consult the listings from the following list to see
if your visit coincides with any other regular celebrations.
Official public holidays 2009
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January 01
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New Year's Day
After the year ends with a big bang, the first day of the new
year is traditionally a time for family gatherings.
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February 22
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Gran Marcha di Karnaval di Kòrsou
The highlight of the Carnival Season, when thousand of
participants in many groups show their fantastic costumes and
floats, dance and strut to the music of the Road March.
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February 23
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Carnival Monday
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 3
February and is finished off with the Farewell Grand Parade
at Tuesday evening 5 February. Monday 4 February is an
offical public holiday. For more detailed information, visit the
Calendar of Events.
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April 10
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Good Friday
Mainly Catholics celebrate this official
holiday. An official holiday on this largely Catholic island and
the beginning of a weeklong spring break for schools. Grocery
stores and markets do a record sale in fresh and salted fish on
the previous days.
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April 12
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Easter Sunday
Local children are decked out in their spring finery for
the traditional first communion celebrations, which are held
between this day and Ascension Day (May).
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April 13
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Easter Monday
Parade through the streets of Otrobanda, symbolizing the
"the Harvest feast", features all the folkloric groups
on the island.
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April 30
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Queen's birthday
Island wide celebrations with a festive atmosphere
focusing in Down Town Punda.
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May 01
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Labor Day
An official holiday when government and labor union
organize marches and other activities.
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May 21
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Ascension
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July 02
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Curaçao Flag day
Celebrated with official ceremonies and cultural events at Plaza
Brion and the Village of Barber
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December 15
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Kingdom Day
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December 25-26
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Christmas
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