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Curaçao's Calendar of Events & Festivals
Please contact the event organizer or sponsor to confirm the event dates. We do our best to keep the information current, however event dates are subject to change.
To submit a Curaçao event, please: Contact Us.
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Calendar of Events & Holidays 2012
January 2012
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| January 1 |
2012 New Year's Day
Official Holiday
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| January 7 |
2012 Carnival: Official Opening!
Seven weeks of Carnival festivities begin with a full program of activities in Willemstad. Colorful and exciting, these events are highlighted by gayly costumed revelers in dancing in the streets.
Curaçao's Carnival celebrates its 42nd anniversary in 2012.
Visit www.curacaocarnival.info
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| January 21 |
2012 Carnival: Election of King, Queen, Prince & Pancho of Children Carnival
The Queen,Prince & Pancho are elected for the road March.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| January 21 |
2012 Carnival: Teenagers Carnival King & Queen Election
The Queen, Prince and Pancho are elected for the upcoming Teenagers Parade.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| January 21 |
2012 Uphill Challenge
The Uphill Challenge supports cancer patients in their struggle. Well-trained (and less well trained) cyclists climb for 4 hours long the feared Fort Nassau slope in order to gain attention and money for the fight against cancer.
This event is organized by the Ride for the Roses Foundation Curacao and the proceeds will benefit the Princess Wilhelmina Fund Curacao.
Visit the website at www.uphillchallenge.com for details.
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| January 29 |
2012 Ride For The Roses Charity Event
The Ride, Swim, Walk for the Roses is an international event, initiated by the Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. Its purpose is to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Events include an auction, a ride, swim and a walk, a health bazaar, speeches, music and dancing. For 2011 event info, please contact:
Ride for the Roses
Post Office Box 6, Curacao
T: 527 2442
F: 461 6645
info@ridefortheroses.net
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| January 30 to February 3 |
2012 Carnival: Tumba Festival
The island’s finest composers, musicians and singers compete in a unique Curacao festival. Held at the Curaçao Festival Center. Tumba music is played in Aruba and Curaçao it is believed to be of African origin but of late is played with rhythms influenced by Latin jazz. The winning Tumba song will have the honor of being the Carnival Road March Song.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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February 2012
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| February 5 |
2012 Carnival: Horse Parade
The horse parade is a special attraction for those who are drawn to nature and love to see the beautifully decked horses gracefully prancing in the streets with their riders dressed up to match the occasion. All of Curaçao's riding schools and private horse owners participate to show off their animals and their skills.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| February 12 |
2012 Carnival: Children's Parade
Toddlers through 6th graders take to the streets of Willemstad for their own full-scale parade.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| February 14 |
2012 Valentine's Day
Ask your restaurant or hotel about special romance packages.
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| February 17 |
2012 Carnival: Teen Parade
Young people are in the spotlight with their own Curaçao Carnival Parade in Willemstad.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| February 18 |
2012 Carnival: Banda Bou Parade
The Banda Bou Carnival Parade. For visitors in January and February, there are many parades that are sure to entertain.
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| February 19 |
2012 Carnival: Grand Parade
Some streets may be closed. Curaçao’s Gran Marcha (The Grand Parade) features fantastic floats, costumes, music and lively characters.
Spectators line the roads. Visit the website to find out how you may participate in the parade with locals, get the full schedule and parade route.
More details about the carnival, here: curacaocarnival.info
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| February 21 |
2012 Carnival: Marcha Despedida - Farewell Parade
Marcha Despedida, the Farewell March, features magical floats adorned with sparkling lights. At midnight, the parade ends with the burning of the Momo (a big straw-filled doll).
Email: info@curacaocarnival.info or fudeka@carnaval.an
Website: www.curacaocarnival.info
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| February 22 |
2012 Ash Wednesday
Beginning of Catholic Lent.
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| February 28 to April 30 |
2012 Curaçao International Kite Festival
Curaçao International Kite Season begins in February with workshops and small kite-flying competitions. A night-fly and other exciting activities pave the way to the annual Curaçao International Cup Kite Competition in the Spring. www.curacaokites.com
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March 2012
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| March 1 to March 31 |
2012 Annual International Blue Marlin Release Tournament
Dates TBD
The Annual International Release Blue Marlin Tournament is held in the waters surrounding Curacao. It is oriented towards the conservation of the species, with individual and team competition (maximum of four anglers per boat). All Billfish under 300 lbs. must be released.
The registration fee for the tournament is US$250.00 which includes Tournament souvenirs, Welcome Reception, Free drinks during Happy Hours, breakfast, bait, ice & drinks, box lunch, wine and cheese party, activities, lunch and trophies. Teams that do not come with their own boat can charter local boats. Charter arrangements must be made well in advance.
The Curacao Yacht Club was founded over 45 years ago and has grown to attract over 600 members and accommodates over 50 yachts as well as over 50 smaller boats. Visiting yachts are welcome. The club can accommodate yachts over 100 feet in length.
For more detailed information, please visit: www.curacaoyachtclub.com or contact Billy Jonckheer at the Curacao Yacht Club at
Tel: (599-9) 767-4627, (599-9) 511-9461
Email: info@curacaoyachtclub.com
VHF channel 68
Waypoints: 12.03.500 N / 068.51.200 W
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| March 1 to March 31 |
2012 Curacao Youth Sailing Championships
Dates TBD
Come to Curaçao for a great Regatta!
Classes: Optimist A, Optimist B, Ysco optimist (local class), Splash & Sunfish
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| March 29 to April 1 |
2012 Curacao International Film Festival Rotterdam
During the Curacao International Film Festival Rotterdam, about 20 movies will be shown in The Cinemas Curacao in Willemstad. During the Curacao International Film Festival Rotterdam, about 20 movies will be shown in The Cinemas Curacao in Willemstad.
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April 2012
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| April 6 |
2012 Good Friday
Catholic holiday and beginning of Spring break for schools.
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| April 8 |
2012 Easter Sunday
Easter, the greatest feast day in the Christian calendar, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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| April 9 |
2012 Easter Monday Events
Official holiday.
Seu Harvest Parade, Banda Bou countryside.
Sunrise climb of Mount Christoffel.
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| April 30 |
2012 Queen's Birthday
Punda Market Festival
Date to be confirmed
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May 2012
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| May 1 |
2012 Labor Day
Official holiday.
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| May 13 |
2012 Mother's Day
Mother's Day
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| May 17 |
2012 Ascension Day
An official holiday in Curaçao.
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| May 17 to May 20 |
2012 Curacao Challenge International Windsurfing
Calling all windfreaks! Slalom and freestyle event. Held at the Sea Aquarium Beach, Willemstad, Curacao. During, before and after the races on the water, several activities will be held on the beach. There will be music, food and beverages and many types of beach games. Races for beginners and the youngest windsurfers will be held right in front of the beach within the breakwaters.
E-mail: info@curacaochallenge.com
www.curacaochallenge.com
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| May 27 |
2012 ENNIA Curacao International Triathlon
Distances: Swim 1.5 km - Bike 40 km - Run 10 km
Registration will open soon with special deals for early registrations.
Visit www.triathlon-curacao.com for additional information.
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June 2012
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| June 10 to June 30 |
2012 Total Submersion Curacao - Dive Fest
Dates TBD
For a week packed with activities, fun and discovery. Dive enthusiasts enjoy multiple free workshops given by noted professionals.
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| June 17 |
2012 Father's Day
Father's Day
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July 2012
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| July 2 |
2012 Curacao Flag Day
Official holiday and ceremonies at Plaza Brion, Willemstad.
Catch the patriotic atmosphere on Curacao's Flag Day.
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August 2012
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| August 1 to August 5 |
2012 Curacao Salsa Tour
Fantastic week of dance, exhibitions, parties, contests and social gatherings at the beach.
The entire Curacao Salsatour team are ready to give you a unforgettable experience in the Caribbean.
For further information, please contact us by:
eMail: info@curacaosalsatour.org
or visit our Website: www.curacaosalsatour.org
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| August 17 |
2012 Slave Uprising Commemoration Day
The 1795 slave uprising, the most important in Curacao's history, is remembered with musical and cultural events at the Rif Waterfront and at Landhuis Kenepa at the western part of the island.
Contact: Fundashon Parke Nashonal
Tel:(599-9) 563-0358
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| August 29 to September 20 |
2012 Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival
The popular Netherland's North Sea Jazz Festival - the largest indoor jazz festival in the world will take place on 2 and 3 September 20114. Appearing will be some of the world's great artists from jazz, to funk, to soul, Latin, salsa and R&B genres. The festival will be performed at various venues around the island. Visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com for details about the jazz festival as they are released.
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September 2012
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| September 16 to September 28 |
2012 Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year. Jewish owned shops and banks are closed. Contact: Mikve Israel-Emanuel at: Tel. (599-9) 461-1067
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| September 26 |
2012 Yom Kippur
Jewish day of atonement. Jewish owned shops and banks are closed.
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October 2012
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| October 5 |
2012 Banda Bou Day
A day of celebrations, folkloric shows and local food in Banda Bou region, located in the scenic western end of Curaçao.
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| October 21 |
2012 Antillean Day
An official holiday and celebration of the five islands of the Dutch Antilles.
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November 2012
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| November 1 to November 30 |
2012 Heineken Regatta Curacao
Dates TBD
The Heineken Regatta Curacao is an international sailing competition organized by the Curacao Sailing Foundation and Heineken. This event honors the long history of Curacao's sailing traditions.
More information at: www.heinekenregattacuracao.com
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December 2012
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| December 8 to December 16 |
2012 Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights,” starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights.
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| December 25 |
2012 Christmas Day
Official Holiday
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| December 31 |
2012 New Year's Eve
Official Holiday (Half-day)
Local businesses and organizations set off fireworks displays in friendly competitions, building to a crescendo at midnight.
Locals gather at Plaza Brion where an evening of cultural activities is capped by midnight blessing by the Bishop.
Contact: Kas di Kultura at tel. +(5999) 461-7355
e-Mail: kasdikultura@curinfo.an
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| Gay Friendly Venues and Events |
All year 'round.
Curacao is truly a diverse and multi-cultural island which takes pride
in promoting itself as a gay friendly destination. Gay travelers can check out the following list of locations specifically offering gay-friendly parties and events at venues around the island:
Lyric's Gay Cafe
Thursdays/Fridays: 10:00PM - 3:00AM
Saturdays: 10:00PM - 4:00AM
Punda (Willemstad, Waterfort Arches)
Cafe De Heeren
Thursdays Happy Hour: 6.00PM - 10.00PM
Zuikertuintje
Cinco Curacao
Thursdays Happy Hour: 10.00PM - 11:30PM
Parera (near the Marine base)
TuTu Tango Bar
Fridays Happy Hour: 11.00PM - 4.00AM
Punda (Willemstad, near the Movies Curaçao)
Zanta Beach Bar
Fridays Happy Hour: 11.00PM - 4.00AM
Bapor Kibra (near Breezes Curaçao Resort)
Mambo Beach
Saturdays Open: 10:00PM - 4:00AM
Bapor Kibra (Seaquarium area)
Wet and Wild Beach Club
Sundays Happy Hour: 5.00PM - 11.00PM
Bapor Kibra
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