Important Things to Know about the Caribbean
What are the most important things you need to KNOW about the history of Caribbean & Curacao?
Some of the most important things you need to know about the history of Caribbean is that it consists of 31 different islands and the three Guyana’s (the French, Dutch-Surinam and English speaking). These three Guyana’s countries do not pertain to the Caribbean but historical, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic they fit well among the Caribbean region. Furthermore, also territories of neighboring countries bordering the Caribbean Sea and islands of the countries located in the Caribbean Sea belong less or more to the Caribbean.
Origin of the Caribbean Name
The Caribbean name is derived from the Indian tribe called the Caribs. They were more ferocious than the Arowak Indians and were cannibals. They ate the Arawak men and married their wives. They formed the original inhabitants of the smaller Caribbean Islands up North.
The French, English, Spanish and Dutch colonized all these Caribbean Islands. The inhabitants of these islands all have a colonial past. There are even two islands, which consist of two parts: Hispaniola consisting of French speaking Haiti and Spanish speaking Dominican Republic and the island of St. Martin. St. Martin is divided in the Dutch and French sides.
Caribbean slaves
There was a significant trade in people on the Caribbean Islands, who were used as slaves, first the Indians but later especially the African black race. They were stronger than the Indians and could withstand heavy labor. These slaves worked on the rice, sugar, tobacco, salt, cotton and corn plantations. Only if you fall into the taste of the white boss, you may work indoors or near the mansion, which means less heavy workload.
Indians who were not capable for the hard work, were put on other islands, to herd goats.
The slaves were considered as a property of their boss. The women often served as maîtres of their white boss. These black women must always be available for their boss. There is a theory that claims as the reason why so many black men have concubines (no marriage attachment) finds their origin in this. That’s why there are so many single black mothers. The black men were not accustomed to bind to a woman because they have to share her anyway with the boss(es).
Caribbean Languages
About 70% of the Caribbean Islands speak Spanish. In the Caribbean they mainly speak four languages: Spanish, English, French and Dutch. The population is a mix of Europeans, Africans, Indian. Some islands like Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire have developed their own creole language (Papiamento), which is based on Spanish and Portuguese mixed with English and Dutch.
In Surinam they speak a Creole English which is called: Sranan Tongo and sometimes Taki Taki.
Caribbean Religion
The population is very religious; the majority of the populationof the Caribbean is Catholic. The locals in the Caribbean are also very superstitious especially in Haiti (Voodoo), some Spanish speaking islands (Santeria), Curacao (Brua) and Surinam (Winti) .
Origin of the Caribbean Music
Music and dance at the time was their means of communication and therapy to forget their sorrow on the plantation. Nowadays we see their fruits in the Salsa, Bachata, Meringue, Reggae, Kadans, Zouk and Calypso dance and song.
The Caribbean islands are also called Antilles and are divided in Greater and Lesser Antilles. Greater Antilles are: Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico. The rest of the islands are the lesser Antilles.
Caribbean hurricane Season & path
You need to know something about the Hurricane season of the Caribbean also before traveling to the Caribbean.
The Hurricane Season, which begins June 1 and ends November 30 could generate strong and devastating winds called Hurricanes.
The path these Hurricanes take is almost the same: Starting often in the Atlantic Ocean outside the Caribbean Archipelago they travel towards the USA passing first over northern Islands of the Lesser Antilles (from St Lucia up North) towards Greater Antilles passing Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas towards the Golf of Mexico and Florida.
During the early season(June-July), hurricane activity is typically quiet and what systems do form tend to occur in a fairly restricted area over the Gulf of Mexico or westernmost Atlantic Ocean.
During the August-September timeframe, decreased wind shear and increased water temperatures allow for more hurricanes to form anywhere throughout the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.
October can see substantial amount of hurricane activity, though they typically form in the western Caribbean or western Atlantic and tend to have tracks that often move quickly off toward the northeast.
There is always risk, especially during the peak period from late August to mid-October but if you’re eager to relax on a beach without worrying that your vacation could be ruined by a tropical storm-turned-hurricane moving toward your Caribbean paradise of choice, here are some islands that are historically hurricane-free or have a low risk of a direct hit.
Caribbean Hurricane belt
Not in the hurricane belt are: Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao (ABC), Providencia Island, San Andrés, and the islands off Venezuela.
Of the ABC Islands the “C” stands for Curacao and has not generally been in the path of major hurricanes. The last one close was Tomas in 2010 which was weakened to tropical storm status as it approached this Dutch island. It stalled and caused heavy flooding. A few years before that, Felix (2007) passed to the north and drenched Curacao and Omar (2008) formed nearby, also dumped heavy rain. But since a direct hit is rare, this island remains a good option if you want to experience the historic ambience of Willemstad, secluded beaches and vivid blue water.
Are you planning to go on vacation in the Caribbean but are confused about choosing a suitable destination?
If you like sun, sea, culture, entertainment and architecture, then is Curacao a nice place to be. On the diving area there is a lot to explore. Are also you looking for nightlife and casinos then you should not miss it.
Curacao is versatile. You don’t get bored.. It is a mixture of Dutch, American and Latin American culture. There is never a dull moment there!
Curacao’s weather is warm and dry, your vacation does not get spoiled with any rainy day’s. The island is as you can read above off the Huricane Belt. You can travel in any season you like.
We also recommend our oceanfront shore villa with sea terrace and a ladder to the Caribbean Sea. So you will have your own private access to the sea and snorkel in a coral rich area in front of your house. The villa is for 8 people and has 3 bathrooms.
You can visit the villa on the following website: https://Villaseaparadisecuracao.com
Interested in staying with us? Contact us for more information about our oceanfront villa, one of the nicest and close to town! See the availability of Curacao vacation rentals: Villa Sea Paradise Curacao!
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