If you enjoy traveling because you love to experience other cultures, art, and food, then Curacao should be the next place added to your travel bucket list. Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea and just 44 miles off the coast of Venezuela lies the tropical island Curacao. Curacao embraces its local culture through vibrant street art and murals painted throughout different neighborhoods. Curacao might be the best place for you to go if you’re planning your next vacation and are interested in embracing other cultures. Before you make your decision, though, keep reading to learn about the best places to experience the art from Curacao.
Punda
Punda is a colorful neighborhood of art and local crafters hidden throughout its tiny alleys, known as ‘Hanchi’ in Papiamentu – the Portuguese-based Creole language of Curacao. Punda is also considered the “heart of the island,” where mind blowing art pieces can also be found on the side streets of the Breedestraat, and lifelike, inspirational murals can be found at the Boogjes Fort. Three-dimensional paintings of iguanas and sunflowers located near Keukenstraat were the first works of art created in Punda and are well-known around the world. According to Forbes, Punda’s historical district, Handelskade, has beautiful homes painted yellow, blue, and pink and the streets are lined with pieces from different artists. Needless to say, Punda embraces the Curacaon culture through its unique art.
Otrobanda
Much of the street art in Curacao can be found in the Otrobanda district. Once an impoverished neighborhood, artists have renovated Otrobanda with colorful murals and other public street art. Located in Willenstraat, a triptych of three women from Curacao are depicted with brightly colored clothing and flowers in their hair, embracing the authentic culture of Curacao. All the art in Otrobanda tells a story of the most critical parts of Curacao’s history. If you plan on visiting one of Curacao’s all-inclusive resorts, it’s highly recommended that you visit and enjoy the incredible works of art in the Otrobanda district.
Kaya Kaya Festival
Much of the credit for transforming the Otrobanda neighborhood goes to the Kaya Kaya Festival. The Kaya Kaya festival focuses on building community through beautifying Otrobanda. Every year, the Kaya Kaya festival focuses on a different neighborhood, ensuring the area is cleaned and restored before decorating the streets with colorful murals.
Pietermaai
The neighborhood of Pietermaai is well known for its brightly colored buildings, considered a work of art in itself. This area also has original murals and other types of street art, bringing an eclectic feel to the neighborhood. Filling the streets with tropical murals to match the aesthetic of the area, Pietermaai embraces the culture and beauty of Curacao.
Scharloo
On the other side of Waaigat is another neighborhood called Scharloo. On the corner of Van Raderstraat is a brightly colored mural of a well-known tree from Curacao, the Kibrahacha, which only grows on the ABC islands. Near the Bitterstraat are other works of art that tourists visit from all over the world.
Skalo
Once considered a neighborhood for the taboo, Skalo has seen some major transformations over the last few years. Thanks to local artists who want to see Skalo thrive, the streets have been given their charm back with large murals and other street art.
If you enjoy traveling, you understand the importance of learning about cultures and appreciating the different lands you visit. If you’re planning on visiting Curacao, you won’t have to look too far to find a mural or other piece of street art. If you’re interested in truly experiencing the culture of Curacao, then check out the places on this list, and remember your camera!
