Curaçao Carnival: Color & Culture Invade the Island

Last minute deals mean it’s not too late to celebrate Carnival on the island of Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the first global carnivals of the year is also one of the most unique in the world. The Curaçao Carnival, which kicked off in January has been a flurry of spirited street parades, exuberant performances and entertainment for all ages. Throughout history, communities around the world have engaged in traditional rituals and ceremonies, while modern Carnival festivities pay homage with bountiful food, music and merriment in colorful parades and street marches. Curaçao’s Carnival is no exception, rivaling other countries for “world’s best” status.

“Curaçao’s Carnival season is electric and brings the party to the island”

“Curaçao’s Carnival season is electric and brings the party to the island,” says Ghatim Kabbara, CEO, Curaçao Tourist Board. “The annual Carnival celebration is a cultural event in a class of its own. Through music, food, street parades and pageantry, Carnival is the largest and most important cultural manifestation of the island of Curaçao. We invite travelers from around the world to come to the island this time of year for an unforgettable experience.”

Curaçao Festival season wraps up on February 13^th with the Grand Farewell Parade, an all-day extravaganza to conclude the island’s biggest party of the year. Visitors coming to Curaçao for Carnival will become familiar with the parade route, which starts on Rooseveltweg Street and ends on Pater Eeuwensweg Street. Curaçao’s Carnival activities are ongoing so visitors currently on the island or planning to visit in the next week will have plenty to do and see:

• Friday, February 8, 2013 Teen Carnival Parade
• Saturday, February 9, 2013 Banda Bou Carnival Parade
• Sunday, February 10, 2013 Grand Carnival Parade "Gran Marcha"
• Monday, February 11, 2013 Children's Farewell Parade
• Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Grand Farewell Carnival Parade

With five flights daily departing from Miami International Airport on Dutch Antilles Express, InselAir and American Airlines, getting to Curaçao for Carnival has never been easier. Non-stop Saturday flights are also available from various destinations; from Newark, NJ on United Airlines; from Charlotte, NC on InselAir; and from Toronto on Air Canada and WestJet.

Many hotels are offering deals catering to Carnival travelers: The Avila Hotel is offering guests 13% off rates through March 31^st, while the Floris Suite Hotel has $169/night room rates, complete with a Royal Suite upgrade, complimentary continental breakfast for two and beach shuttle service. Guests can expect to save up to 30% off, plus up to $400 in resort coupons at the Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino through April 19^th.

For those seeking an extended stay, the SeaHorizon Apartments offers newly renovated apartment units, complete with kitchenettes starting at $70/night. The brand new Beach House Curaçao allows guests to stay for seven nights but only pay for five, ending on February 18^th. The La Palmeraie Curaçao Bed & Breakfast offers apartments and bungalows, starting at $75/night with guests staying two weeks or longer eligible for a greater discount. The family-friendly Limestone Holiday Resort boasts studios and larger apartments starting at $55/night and offers car rental on site.

To learn more about the island of Curaçao or request a FREE Curaçao information package, please visit Curaçao.com or call 1.800.328.7222.

About Curaçao

Selected as a ‘Top Destination 2012’ by Frommer’s, one of the ‘5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now’ by Budget Travel and a top three ‘2012 Honeymoon Hot Spot’ by Condé Nast Traveler, Curaçao is a unique Caribbean island paradise, boasting 35 uncrowded beaches, and an eclectic mix of history and culture. Explore the vibrant, culturally diverse capital city of Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its distinctive architecture, museums, monuments and world-class shopping. Indulge in Curaçao’s vast selection of flavorful restaurants, with a mix of sophisticated international and tasty local cuisines. Discover Curaçao’s abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling at secluded beaches – including Cas Abao Beach, selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011’ by SmarterTravel. Curaçao offers idyllic weather, situated outside of the Hurricane Belt. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit Curaçao.com.