Flags of the World | Bonaire

Postcard
The flag of Bonaire was adopted on 11 December 1981. The colors red, white, and blue show Bonaire's loyalty to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The black compass represents the population of Bonaire who comes from the four corners of the world.

The red six-pointed star represents the original six villages of Bonaire - Antriol, Nikiboko, Nort Saliña, Playa, Rincon and Tera Korá.

Maskarada Festival | Bonaire

Postcard
A group of people get on the streets and dance with colourful costumes and masks to welcome the new year. It is tradition that the Maskarada begin on New Year’s Day serenading and entertaining Bonaire’s Lt. Governor. After that, they will have two full days of visiting families in various neighborhoods of Bonaire.

They are fully costumed, so no one knows their identities. Not a word is spoken. That is, until the end of the day, when they are finally un-masked, and we learn just who has been entertaining us all day!

It is most likely that this traditon had African roots and was brought to the island by slaves. It reminded me of this postcard from Belize about Joncunu.

Bonaire Sea Turtle

Postcard

The island of Bonaire is located in the Caribbean, about  50 miles north of Venezuela and 86 miles east of Aruba. The population is only 17,500. 

Sea turtles are threatened with extinction. Populations are declining worldwide due to fishing, increased coastal tourism and marine pollution. Nearly all Caribbean populations are severely depleted.

 

One of the sea turtle species found in Bonaire is the hawksbill. Adult hawksbills lay their eggs on the island's beaches each year. The capture of sea turtles is prohibited on Bonaire, as is the buying and selling of sea turtle products like shells, meat, eggs and jewelry.

Stamp

Just a postmark, earlier this year no stamps were available on the island. Probably as a result of all the postal issues on Bonaire.

Willems Toren Lighthouse, Bonaire

Postcard

The Willems Toren Lighthouse is located at the Southern tip of the island of Bonaire. Together with St. Eustatius and Saba the islands are known as Caribbean Netherlands. The lighthouse was established in 1837 and recently completely renovated.

Stamps

Issued in 2012 as part of a set of four stamps about Sailing Ships. The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15. 

A postcard from the Dutch Carribbean: Bonaire

Postcard

The island of Bonaire is located in the Caribbean, about  50 miles north of Venezuela and 86 miles east of Aruba. The population is only 17,500. 

Bonaire's economy is mainly based on tourism, it is a well known scuba diving location. Together with Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Kralendijk, which means "coral dike", is the capital city and main port of the island. This is where you'll find the vast majority of the island's restaurants, businesses, traffic and shopping.

Stamp

Issued in 2012 as part of a set of four stamps about Sailing Ships. The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15.