Curacao Public Holidays

Summary:

This article outlines the public holiday system in Curaçao, which includes both fixed and movable dates, reflecting the island's diverse cultural and historical background. It also provides an estimated list of public holidays for 2025 and summarizes the holiday business hours for various shipping, airline, and logistics companies.

Overview

Curacao is located in the southern Caribbean Sea and is an autonomous constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao has a rich culture and history, and its public holidays reflect its diverse background.

January 1: New Year's Day
New Year's Day is one of the most common public holidays in the world, and Cura;ao is no exception. People will celebrate the New Year on this day and have good wishes for the future.
February 16: Carnival
Carnival is one of the grandest festivals in Cura;ao, and the festivities can last for two weeks. People will dress up in colorful costumes and participate in street parades and parties.
March 31: Easter
Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Cura;ao, people will hold church services and spend the holiday with family and friends.
April 27: King's Day
The birthday of the King of the Netherlands is a public holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Cura;ao is no exception. People will wear orange costumes on this day and participate in various celebrations.
May 1: Labor Day
Labor Day is a holiday for the international working class, and Cura;ao is no exception. People will hold parades and rallies on this day to celebrate the contributions of workers.
May 29: Ascension Thursday
Ascension Thursday is a Christian holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ. In Cura;ao, people will hold church services and spend the holiday with family and friends.
July 2: Cura;ao Flag and Anthem Day
This day is to commemorate Cura;ao's autonomy. People will hold flag-raising ceremonies on this day and participate in various celebrations.
October 10: Cura;ao Autonomy Day
This is the day when Cura;ao officially broke away from Dutch colonial rule. People will hold various celebrations on this day and express their love for national independence.
December 25: Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. In Cura;ao, people will decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and spend the holiday with family and friends.

Other Holidays

In addition to the above public holidays, Cura;ao also has some other important holidays, such as:
February 14: Valentine's Day
March 8: International Women's Day
May 5: Children's Day
August 3: Cura;ao Navy Day
December 31: New Year's Eve

Special Public Holidays

Carnival: Held annually in February or March, Carnival is one of Cura;ao's most exuberant celebrations. People don colorful costumes and dance through the streets in a festive atmosphere.

Sena's Day: Commemorated on May 27th, Sena's Day marks the Dutch conquest of Cura;ao from Spain in 1634. Locals dress as pirates and engage in various festivities to remember this historical event.
Queen's Day: Traditionally celebrated on April 30th (the Dutch Queen's birthday), Queen's Day continues to be observed in Cura;ao even after the Dutch Queen's abdication. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate Dutch culture and history.
Liberation Day: Commemorated on May 30th, Liberation Day marks the end of World War II and the liberation of Cura;ao from Nazi occupation.
Cura;ao Day: Also celebrated on April 30th, Cura;ao Day commemorates the island's autonomous status."

Curacao Public Holidays in 2025 (Estimated)

Fixed Date Holidays:

New Year's Day: January 1
King's Day (Birthday of the King of the Netherlands): April 27
Labor Day: May 1
Ascension Thursday: May 29 (movable, but typically in late May)
Curacao Flag and Anthem Day: July 2
Christmas Day: December 25

Movable Holiday (Approximate):

Easter Sunday: March 31 (date depends on the lunar calendar)
Curacao Autonomy Day: October 10

Curacao Holiday Season Business Hours for Shipping Companies

Shipping Companies:

Major international shipping companies (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL):
Generally open with reduced hours on some holidays.
Specific holiday closures may vary by location.
Contact the local branch for exact details.
Local shipping companies:
Hours may vary more widely.
Some companies may close completely on some holidays.
Check the company's website or contact them directly for specific information.

Airlines:

Most airlines operate on a reduced schedule during the holidays.
Some flights may be canceled or rescheduled.
Check the airline's website or app for the latest flight information.

Freight Forwarders:

Similar to shipping companies, freight forwarders may have reduced hours or closures during the holidays.
Contact the individual company for specific information.

Rail:

Curaçao does not have a public rail system.

Couriers:

Local courier companies may have reduced hours or closures during the holidays.
Contact the individual company for specific information.

Logistics Companies:

Similar to freight forwarders, logistics companies may have reduced hours or closures during the holidays.
Contact the individual company for specific information.

General Tips:

Plan ahead and book your shipping or travel well in advance of the holidays.
Be aware of potential delays and disruptions.
Allow extra time for deliveries.
Contact the company directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Additional Resources:

Cura;ao Tourist Board: https://www.curacaotouristboard.com/
Cura;ao Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
https://www.curacaochamberofcommerce.com/
Cura;ao Ports Authority: https://curports.com/port-authority/contact-us/