After Christopher Columbus christened the Dominican Republic "Hispaniola,"
the colonial powers of Europe rushed to stake their claim on the islands. Naturally
there were followed by fortune seekers, treasure hunters, traders, and pirates
of every nationality. The Caribbean's dizzying mix of European, African, and indigenous
cultures makes it feel like nowhere else in the world. Every Caribbean island
is a distinctive treasure map of rich history, and curious visitors will find
a world of tradition and ritual when they venture off the beach.
Today, the islands are committed to preserving and showcasing their dazzling pasts.
The citizens of Curaçao, to this day subjects of the Netherlands, speak
Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamentu, a Creole blend of Dutch and Spanish.
|
