Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2017 | Page 216

Punda Vibes, Curacao
The uninitiated may ask, “Where is Punda
anyway?” Well, Punda is one of the 4
districts of Willemstad, Curacao’s capital.
A visit to Punda is an absolute not-to-
be-missed as this region is a vibrant hive
of activity, during the day and night. Its
streets are pedestrian-only, shopping
opportunities are many and the scenery
is a photographer’s dream. Everyone who
has ever visited Curacao MUST be able to
say they went to Punda and that they had a
blast will be a given - how could they not?
Tourists can visit the many landmarks such
as the Handelskade, Floating Pantoon
Bridge and Fort Amsterdam. They can
also explore Willemstad’s other districts
Pietermaai, Scharlooo and Otrabanda
which are within walking distance and offer
a different flavour. At the end of the sight-
seeing excursion, visitors should head to
Punda’s Old Market where a veritable feast
of traditional local food awaits.
In the evening, relax at a cafe or restaurant,
listening to live music on one of the various
terraces, while sipping a Blue Lagoon.
Or take a nice romantic walk at the St
Anna Bay. Indeed, those are quite lovely
experiences, however, one of the best to be
had in Punda, will be on a Thursday, which
is the day designated to be the one where
the true Punda Vibes will be felt.
Punda Thursday Vibes is held every Thursday
evening in this iconic area of Willemstad.
Bars and restaurants offer Happy Hour and
dinner specials. Stores remain open during
sunset hours while live music and special
activities will keep you entertained. You
can enjoy artwalk in the alleys where local
artists showcase their art; shop at the Vibes
Markets at the outdoor vendor stalls; enjoy
folkloric dancing and participate in a Latin
Vibes free workshop where you’ll start with
the free workshop from 7:00-8:00 pm, after
which you can dance the night away . . .
Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, Zouk!
The night ends with a fireworks display.
At the end of the year, Punda is a delightful
sight with sparkling, festive Christmas lights
and a range of fun and exciting activities.
This year, Punda celebrates 20 years of
being on the Unesco World Heritage list
and in 2016, they won the CITI social
innovation award.
Don’t miss a visit to Punda on your next rrip
to Curacao!
You can find more information about
Punda and Punda Vibes at these Links:
Facebook:
Website: