Curaçao - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 216

Annual Events
January
During the annual four-day Tumba Festival , musicians from around the
island compete to have their original music selected as the official Carni-
val Road March Song. The singer is named Tumba King or Queen. This
crowd-drawing festival runs from Monday through Friday, with Thursday
a welcome day of rest. (The date changes annually, depending on the
beginning date of Carnival.) In addition to the musical competition, ven-
dors sell beer and food, and spectators often dance late into the night.

599-9-738-3652.
March
The Annual International Blue Marlin Tournament is a two-day con-
servation event featuring individual and team competition. Blue marlin is
the priority catch. All billfish weighing less than 200 pounds are released.
For dates and information, contact the Curaçao Yacht Club, 599-9-767-

4627, www.curacaoyachtclub.com..
April
This is the typical month for two notable sailing events. The Interna-
tional Sailing Regatta draws hundreds of sailors and colorful boats to
the waters near the Sea Aquarium. The week-long regatta includes long-
and short-distance competition for all types of sailors, including
windsurfers, single-hulls, catamarans, and trimarans. For dates and
information, contact Curaçao Sea Aquarium, 599-9-461-6666,

www.curacao-sea-aquarium.com.
The Sami Sail Regatta is a two-day event organized by the fishing village
of Boca Saint Michael (Boka Sint Michiel), which is located west of
Willemstad and called Boka Sami by islanders. Street vendors set up
tables to sell food and drinks to the boisterous crowds that turn out to
watch the boat races and dance to the music of local bands. For dates and
information, contact the Curaçao Tourist Board, 800-328-7222;

www.Curaçao-tourism.com.
May
This is the traditional month for The Curaçao International Jazz Fes-
tival , which brings performers from around the world to the island for two
days of concerts and jamming. Get a schedule and list of musicians for this
year's event from the Curaçao Jazz Foundation, 599-9-461-1866,

www.curacaojazz.com.
June/July
The annual Curaçao Salsa Festival celebrates the Latin beat of salsa.
Top South American and Caribbean musicians gather for an outdoor
extravaganza each summer. Tickets and information are available

through the Curaçao Tourist Board, 800-328-7222 and locally from the

Curaçao Festival Center, 599-9-561-1268.