History and Culture

History and Culture

Curaçao was discovered by Alonzo de Ojeda (a lieutenant of Columbus) in 1499. The first Spanish settlers arrived in 1527. In 1634 the Dutch came via the Netherlands West Indies Company. Eight years later Peter Stuyvesant began his rule as governor (in 1647, Stuyvesant became governor of New Amsterdam, which later became New York). Twelve Jewish families arrived in Curaçao from Amsterdam in 1651, and by 1732 a synagogue had been built; the present structure is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the western hemisphere. Over the years the city built fortresses to defend against French and British invasions—the standing ramparts now house restaurants and hotels. The Dutch claim to Curaçao was recognized in 1815 by the Treaty of Paris. From 1954 through 2006, Curaçao was the seat of government of the Netherlands Antilles, a group of islands under the umbrella of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Effective July 2007, Curaçao was granted autonomy (the same status Aruba attained in 1986), and now governs itself independently in all matters aside from defense and foreign policy.

Tourism is on a fast track to surpassing harbor-related activities as the island's primary source of income, with a corresponding surge in hotel development in recent years. The government pumped millions of dollars into the opening of a new airport in 2006, and has committed more funds to an expansion plan to accommodate future growth. The opening of a massive pier has boosted cruise-ship passengers to record numbers. In addition, the government and private sources have invested substantially in the restoration of the island's graceful colonial buildings.

Today, Curaçao's population derives from nearly 60 nationalities—an exuberant mix of Latin, European, and African roots speaking a Babel of tongues—resulting in superb restaurants and a flourishing cultural scene. Although Dutch is the official language, Papiamento is the vernacular of all the Netherlands Antilles and the preferred choice for communication among the locals. English and Spanish are also widely spoken. The island, like its Dutch settlers, is known for its religious tolerance, and tourists are warmly welcomed.