Curaçao - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 214

Official Business

C uraçao and Bonaire are members of the five-island

Netherlands Antilles (NA). Other members are the S Is-
lands - Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The Nether-
lands Antilles is a member of the three-part Kingdom of the
Netherlands. Other members are Aruba and Holland. As the
largest island and capital of the NA, Curaçao has the most political influ-
ence.
The island runs its internal affairs through elected legislative, advisory
and executive councils. A lieutenant governor, who is appointed by the
Dutch monarch on the recommendation of local officials, lives in
Willemstad and oversees local issues. Curaçao elects representatives to
serve in the 22-member staten , or parliament, of the NA, which sends a
minister to the Hague, seat of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Curaçao's preferential standing in the NA was a prime reason for Aruba's
petition for status aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and an
issue that comes up when other members of the NA discuss requesting the
same political standing. Since Curaçao enjoys additional powers, it is
doubtful that the island will seek total independence or status aparte in
the near future.

Unique Celebrations

C uraçao packs its yearly calendar with official holidays,

flamboyant festivals, and internationally acclaimed
events. Banks, post offices and most businesses close for
many of the special days, and you can expect large crowds at
the parks and beaches. Big events, such as Carnival, go on for
several jubilant days or weeks, and you may want to schedule your trip to
either avoid or coincide with the ecstacy.

TIP: Dates change somewhat from year to year for
many holidays and events, so check with the tourist
bureau for a current schedule before you make ar-
rangements to visit the island.

800-328-7222;

www.Curaçao-tourism.com.

In addition to the traditional holidays celebrated on all three islands,
Curaçao observes the following:
January 26 , Indian Republic Day , is marked by the closing of Indian
restaurants and shops.