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General cultural information
The Dutch took Bonaire in 1633. The island became a granary for the Dutch West India Company until 1791, when the Dutch government took over the island. In 1954 Bonaire became an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Many people in Bonaire speak Papiamento. This language is based on Portuguese but is much influenced by Spanish, Dutch and the Arawak Indian (the first inhabitants of Bonaire) language. The Bonairean culture is based on traditions that go back many generations and are chronicled in the songs and dances that are performed during holidays and festivals. It is also based on strong family ties and a general respect for nature.
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Do's and Don'ts
| Local cuisine | There is a wide variety of tastes and cuisine that are the result of the ethnic diversity of the island its culture. Namely the Creole cuisine is well developed. | | Clothing | One can dress informal unless formal dress is specifically requested. It is better to avoid wearing scanty clothing or beachwear in towns, villages or religious places as a gesture towards the islanders. | | National park | Do not collect anything underwater. Because the entire coastline is an offshore national park, collecting even dead coral is forbidden. |
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Religion
There is a variety of Beliefs in Bonaire. The majority of the population of is Roman Catholic, Protestant or Jewish.
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Cultural attractions
| Date | Event | | January | Maskerada | The Maskerada procession takes place on new years day and the first Sunday of the new year. Masked people walk and dance through the streets of Bonaire. | | Februari - March | Carnival | Features music, dancing and celebrations. | | 30 April | The Queen Birthday | The celebration of the birthday of the Dutch Queen Beatrix | | June 9 - 16 | Bonaire Dive Festival | Bonaire is hosting a week full of nightly cocktail parties, informative seminars, underwater photography, important environmental awareness projects and diving that will take you to a complete new level. | | October 6 - 12 | Bonaire International Sailing Regatta | Sailing boats of all classes and sizes, from surfers to yachts, to catamarans to fishing boats, as long as it has a sail, it will be racing at the Regatta. There are many festivities during these days. |
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