Kosher and Jewish Life in Curaçao

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Curaçao. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Curaçao, South America

^*Jewish Observant Friendly (?)

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About Curaçao

Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, is known for its beaches tucked into coves and its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life. The capital, Willemstad, has pastel-colored colonial architecture, floating Queen Emma Bridge and the sand-floored, 17th-century Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. It’s also a gateway to western beaches like Blue Bay, where scuba divers can access a vertical coral wall from the shore. Before the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on 10 October 2010, Curaçao was administered as the "Island Territory of Curaçao". The original inhabitants of Curaçao were Arawak peoples. Their ancestors had migrated to the island from the mainland of South America, likely hundreds of years before Europeans arrived. When the Dutch arrived in 1634, they built forts at key points around the island to protect themselves from foreign powers, privateers, and pirates. Six of the best preserved forts can still be seen today. Curaçao has a tropical savannah climate with a dry season from January to September and a wet season from October to December. While tourism plays a major role in Curaçao's economy, it is less reliant on tourism than other Caribbean countries.

Are you a Curaçao Kosher establishment or tour operator?

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Curaçao

There has been a Jewish presence on the small island of Curacao since the mid-17th century. Today, few Jews remain on the island though there are approximately 200 Jews in the whole of the Netherlands Antilles. While the history of Jews in Curacao is one of prosperity and expansion, the community is at present in a far-less comfortable situation. Fewer than 350 Jews remain on the island today, out of an overall population of 125,000. Curaçao’s Jewish Cultural Historical Museum is a delightful museum preserving the most precious religious and cultural artifacts on the island. Many pieces in the collection are still used today in the Congregation’s services and rituals.

Check out our blog post, Kosher Vacation in Curaçao: A Jewish Traveler's Guide, for all the info you need to plan your kosher vacation to Curaçao.

Please note:

Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset.
Some communities, mostly during Summer, will accept Shabbat earlier than the common times.
It is best to contact the local Rabbi for advise.
If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!