An experience you’ll never forget, Three-month event will celebrate the Culture, Cuisine & Heritage of Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – To celebrate the diversity of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, a three month Curaçao Culture, Cuisine & Heritage Experience (CCCHE) will be held from August 15 through November 15, 2006.

The island is home to residents descending from more than 55 different nationalities, each with its own culture, cuisine and heritage, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore these diverse cultures inside and out during this celebration.

Daily activities and events planned throughout the CCCHE will provide visitors with a glimpse in to Curaçao’s multi-dimensional past and the resulting flavors found on the island today.

Events taking place during the three-month experience include story-telling every Saturday and musical performances every Friday and Sunday, as well as special exhibits such as the slavery heritage exhibit at Landhouse Santa Martha.

The CCCHE will also include culinary walking tours, cultural and heritage tours and an ancient herbs and botanical tour. Museum Kura Hulanda will feature special productions of its Living History Show, a live production that will take place every Wednesday night and allow audiences to learn about the slave trade in the 1700’s and the events leading to the rebellions in the 1800’s. Visit www.curacaoculture.com for more information on dates and locations of all scheduled activities.

Additionally, throughout the three month celebration, art galleries, museums and restaurants will grant special offers on purchases and admissions:

· Visitors will find Curaçao’s thriving art community to be as rich as the island’s culture. Participating art galleries will offer free admission or a two for one entrance price, plus a 10% discount on purchases.

· The deep heritage of Curaçao dates back hundreds of years and the local museums will offer free or discounted admission to visitors wanting to experience the history of the island.

· The cuisine of Curaçao is infused with the spices from a rainbow of cultures and during CCCHE over 30 participating restaurants will offer a 10% discount on food and beverages.

The Curaçao Culture, Cuisine & Heritage Experience is presented by the Curaçao Tourist Board. All of the participating galleries, museums, restaurants and hotels, along with their respective offers, can be found on the event website: www.curacaoculture.com.

Also available on the website is a listing of all activities and special productions taking place during the CCCHE and a downloadable ‘VIT’ pass (Very Important Tourist) that must be presented to receive the special discounts and promotional offers at participating vendors throughout the festival