National traditions of Netherlands Antilles. Habits, mentality and the way of living

The culture and traditions of the Netherlands Antilles were developing during many centuries. All the periods of history through which this land passed are accurately reflected in its background. You can track over 130 nationalities from all over the world among the ethnicity of the local population! Mostly, these are African people. However, there are other nationalities too, so the culture of the islands is rich and diverse.

Local traditions have not changed in the last hundred years. There are several basic features. Locals have strong bonds in families. They respect and love nature and care about the environment. The Antilleans remember that many of their ancestors were slaves who were forced to work on plantations. In fact, the times of slavery had a serious impact on locals. They had to live in bad conditions and had almost nothing. Perhaps that's why they became strong-willed people, who were ready to meet any challenge and not retreat even in the most difficult situation. Here, ancestors are treated with great respect.

The African culture is reflected in a special style of music and unique dances, which can not be found elsewhere. The Antilles perfectly displays the mixture of cultures. You can find both African and European traditions in same dances. Everything is flavored with a unique local color. A distinctive feature of the local music is a clear and varied rhythm. It’s created not by drums, but simple claps. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The multinational ethnicity manifests itself in other aspects. For example, the local language, called Papiamento, is based on the Portuguese, but it clearly shows the Spanish, Dutch, and even Indian influence. It combines a lot of phrases, which can be attributed almost to all European languages. Papiamento also has a number of absolutely original turns. Each island differs from another. Bonaire has the more significant Spanish and Indian influence. Most people on Saba speak fluent English. On Sint Eustatius, locals prefer Dutch.

In general, it can be noted that the Antilles can be called a truly international place. Many people, despite their origin, were able to create a full-fledged society with its own traditions and history. No other place in the world can boast that. Locals are calm and kind people who are equally friendly both to their old neighbor and to the person they see for the first time. It is important to remember that that’s not only a resort, but a full-fledged state with its own norms and rules. If you walk around the city in beach clothes, the locals will pay oblique glances, and no decent place will let you in. On the northern islands, then such behavior will generally be regarded as an insult. If you go somewhere except the beach, choose conservative closes. Of course, there are no strict rules here, and foreigners generally don’t need to know about these peculiarities. However, if you want to rest without any problems, it's better to be prepared.

Initially, it may seem that, unlike the inhabitants of other countries in this region, people on the Antilles are somewhat more phlegmatic or withdrawn. This is nothing more than a stereotype. Having once communicated with local people, you will understand that locals are extremely good-natured. They appreciate their culture and are very nice to their guests. You can always get a local guide who can show places that are not listed in any guidebook. You can communicate on any topic without any problems. No one will interfere in the private life because it is absolutely not accepted here.