Page 722 - Visitor Guides
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Clothing
Since temperatures are warm throughout the year,
light, casual tropical wear is recommended. When
outdoors, protect yourself from the sun. Locals dress
fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events,
while Curaçao fashion for outdoor festivals is decid-
edly casual. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or
sandals and some casinos also require jackets for
Climate Climate men. If you plan on hiking in the countryside, wear
Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator, Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator, sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from
Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. e Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. e the cacti and mosquitoes.
average temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F). average temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F).
Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, Drinking Water
picking up in the spring months. e rainy season, picking up in the spring months. e rainy season, Not only is Curaçao water safe to drink, it is of the
between October and February, is usually marked by between October and February, is usually marked by finest quality. Since 1928, a seawater distillery has
short, occasional showers at night and sunny weather short, occasional showers at night and sunny weather produced top quality drinking water for the island. It
during the day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 during the day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 contains no chloride and little calcium, is tasteless,
mm (22 inches). mm (22 inches). odorless and has a good bacteriological composition.
Language Language Wheelchair Accessibility
Many languages are spoken in Curaçao. Dutch is the Many languages are spoken in Curaçao. Dutch is the Facilities and supplies for the physically disabled are
official language, but English and Spanish are also widely official language, but English and Spanish are also widely present and available on-island. Hotels such as
spoken. Papiamentu is Curaçao’s local and native spoken. Papiamentu is Curaçao’s local and native Sunscape Curaçao, Resort, Spa & Casino, Lions Dive
language and is a mixture of seven different languages. ( A language and is a mixture of seven different languages. ( A & Beach Resort, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort Hilton
Creole mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Creole mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French,
English, African and Arawak Indian). Historians believe English, African and Arawak Indian). Historians believe Curaçao, Veneto Casino Holiday Beach Resort,
that Papiamentu, derived from the Spanish word that Papiamentu, derived from the Spanish word Curaçao Plaza Hotel, Dophin Suites and the Avila
“papear” (meaning to speak or converse) originated in the “papear” (meaning to speak or converse) originated in the Hotel are just a few that offer adapted rooms. Wheel-
17 century as means of communication between slaves, 17 century as means of communication between slaves, chairs can be rented at the White-Yellow Cross founda-
th
th
hailing from various African regions, and their Portuguese hailing from various African regions, and their Portuguese tion (official name in Dutch “Wit-Gele Kruis Founda-
masters. Unlike other Creole languages, Papiamentu is masters. Unlike other Creole languages, Papiamentu is tion”). For personalized beds and walkers, contact an
spoken through all levels of society. spoken through all levels of society. organization called ‘Nos Orkon.’
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