Curacao is home to more than a hundred of ethnic groups, so culture of the island is very versatile and diverse. Many national traditions remain unchanged for many centuries, the main aspect of life remain strong and trusting relationships between members of different communities. Indigenous people are very careful to nature and environmental issues are paramount to them. They haven’t an abundance of resources on the island, but local residents appreciate and cherish every drop of the precious nature.
Music and dance are vivid manifestations of national culture; they are feature a strong rhythmic foundation. In contrast to many other countries on the region, where the main musical instruments are drums and other percussion instruments, locals here are used to set the rhythm by their own hands. A few deft hand claps and the rhythm is set; local residents don’t require any additional devices for fun and dancing.
Strolling through local markets and souvenir shops, visitors can see a lot of interesting crafts, colorful fabrics and souvenirs. At first glance, they may resemble children's crafts, and there is a grain of truth in this association. The inherent ‘childishness’ of the local craft is due to the fact that original manufacturers were younger family members. While the parents were working on plantations, children were making colorful souvenirs to sell them later and to contribute to the well-being of the family.
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