This blog will explore the ideas and relevant media surrounding creolization in Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries.

Before we begin this exploration together, did you know that there were Dutch speaking countries in the Caribbean?

I surely didn't! This will be fun!

Let's get started, shall we?

Say It Louder!: Talk The Talk ABC Islands

Within Tour de Force, the authors made mention of the language native to the ABC Islands. Well, it depends on which of the three you visit. The language is called Papiamentu (for Bonaire and Curacao) or Papiamento (for Aruba). According to the text, Dutch colonists decided not to speak Dutch to the enslaved (major difference from what we've seen thus far from other Caribbean countries), yet this creolized language was born. Birthed from encounters between Dutch settlers, Spanish missionaries, Portuguese traders, Jewish emigrants, enslaved Africans, and the indigenous remnants of the Arawak population (the Caquetios), the ABC islands found their principal language.

I chose this video as I personally found it interesting how similar the language sounds to more than the listed English, Spanish and Dutch. Does it sound slightly French to you as well or is that just my partially multilingual autocorrect being critical?

My love for the French language aside...

As you can hear (or see from the various spellings), the language not only shows an example of creolization but tells stories of all who have had an influential hand on the ABC islands throughout history.

Being a native language, did you solely expect conversation? I hope not. Let's add a bit of sparkle to the ABC culture. For the Dutch Leeward Islands, an important part of the musical aspect is Tambu music (as well as its genre offspring of course). The music itself is heavily influenced by African contact and has been notably considered as Spirit Music. Huh? Am I sure Tambu is creolized and not just a beloved genre with African similarities and inspirations? Of course I'm sure! Follow me for a minute here.

A Tambu Band
(Photo taken from http://cultuurpodiumonline.nl/)
Influenced by African traditions and accompanied by an African-styled dance.
Lyrically formed by call and response singing in Papiamentu/Papiamento, which itself is influenced by three or more languages depending on the island.
Is native to the Dutch speaking Caribbean which has been heavily influenced by Latin America throughout history.

*ding ding ding*

Survey says...

Most definitely a creolized genre!

Tambu music and its corresponding dances have clear roots in African tradition. The rhythms made, the unorthodox or discarded farm tool made instruments, the group singing at the beginning of the music, the beautifully created product, and a flat-footed movement to top it with a bit of razzle dazzle...that is Tambu! Music coated in more than simply "creolization" or "history," a genre made to not only talk the talk but be the talk.

Bottoms Up and Or Di Kome (Time To Eat)!:
Something old, Something new, and Something Blue

Ah, the best part of creolized culture. Food! The cuisine found in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean has its own unique twist, but, as expected, has been heavily influenced by cultures around the world. Of these influences, Latin America has had the most influence to the colorful appearances and subtle tastes. In this section, we'll be focusing on a few goodies Curacao offers all year round.

Pastechi
(Photo taken from http://dekleinehuisjes.nl/portfolio/pastechi-di-karni/)

There were so many options to choose from, but I chose a part of cuisine that felt like home. Something old. It looks like a patty/pattie yet much lighter in color as well as less crumbly. Some even say it is the sibling to the Spanish turnover empanada. Hm. Give me the onions, the red peppers, some salt, let's mince ground meat and have a gouda time (I had to say it lol) with a bite or many of Pastechi! Normally sold at various food trucks on the island, Pastechi is savory and shaped like hot patties (the ones loved in both The Bahamas and Jamaica). It can be fried or baked like the Spanish empanada, and filled with types of ground meat seasoned by salt, peppers, gouda cheese and so on.

Unlike the average examples, I felt as though you deserved a spin to this blog. Grab a glass. Let's sip on the definition of boldness from Curacao. Ready?

Green Rum
(Photo taken from https://rebeccawritestravel.com/hello-world/)

Let's start with something new. Green Rum! You heard me correctly. Curacao has a well-known signature in the cocktail world, and this is due to their vibrant connections with South America and I don't just mean with flavors. You've guessed it! Green Rum is 100% green! Poured over sprite or coconut water, the drink has kept its flavors rooted in Caribbean culture though its colors scream Latin America and Dutch. Most of the natives and tourists who have tried the interesting drink call it a shot of bravery thanks to its strong licorice flavor. As intriguing and surprising as it sounds. Rom Berde is no secret and can easily be found on the island. Would you try it? May be a no for me; licorice and I have a love-hate relationship. Whew!

Now for something BLUE! Any ideas of what's blue on Curacao? Not the sky or the ocean either! Think of pretty drinks. Doesn't ring a bell or shake a glass? Blue Curacao! Named after its country and proudly colored blue (well blue is the most common variation anyway), Blue Curacao is a must try on the island and a fruity essential to many bars worldwide. Thanks to the Spanish, the island gained orange trees…that didn’t get to keep oranges. Confused? Okay, here’s what happened. The heat and climate here in the Caribbean turned the fruit bitter and evolved it into a laraha. Natives took the dried peels of the fruit and created a fruity liqueur for sale. Though influenced by Spanish conquerors, the Dutch have influenced the way the liqueur is both bottled and served. Have you ever seen those mixology videos that pop up on social media randomly? Can you recall a singular time a bottle filled with blue liquid was not pulled from the shelf? Exactly! Well-known and beloved, Blue Curacao is a product of the creolized culture found in Curacao which continuously adds to the cocktail culture worldwide. Would you try this one? I probably would!

Apologies for the language near the end of the video. The speaker enjoyed his cocktail a bit much.

I chose this video as you get to see a close-up of the bottle and hear a genuine reaction to someone trying this blue drink. Both the speaker and the bottle's label make mention of the influence from Dutch culture despite the drink being native to the Caribbean, and I appreciate the European-styled bottle that differs from the other well-known Blue Curacao brands. Intriguing indeed.
Don't forget to take notes by the way! He said add ice and some fruit juice. Let's try a sip together one day...for research!