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.
Public holidays 2007
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January 01
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New Year's Day (official
holiday)
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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January - March
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Carnival
During these eight weeks Curaçao is turned into one big melting
pot of people having fun on and off the streets. It all
culminates in the Gran March and is finished off with the
Farewell Grand Parade. For more detailed information, visit the
Calendar of Events.
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February - April
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Kite season
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February 21
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Ash Wednesday starts off Lent
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April 06
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Good Friday (official holiday)
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 08
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Easter Sunday (official holiday)
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 09
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Easter Monday (official
holiday)
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 (official
holiday)
Island wide celebrations with a festive atmosphere
focusing in Down Town Punda.
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May 01
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Labor Day (official holiday)
An official holiday when government and labor union
organize marches and other activities.
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May 13
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Mother's day
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May 17
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Ascension day (official holiday)
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May 30
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1969 commemoration
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June 17
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Father's day
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July 02
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Curaçao Flag day (official
holiday)
Celebrated with official ceremonies and cultural events at Plaza
Brion and the Village of Barber
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