Photo by Michèle van Veldhoven.
‘Fin fin a kose
un panja fel di gala
pa kibrahacha.’
‘Spring rain has sown
a bright yellow gown
for the ax breaker.’
Haiku by: Kodachi Ken Senshi
Translation by: Carolina Gomes-Casseres
Kibrahacha (literally: ‘ax-breaker’, Tabebuia Billbergii) bursts into bloom after the first sprinkles of spring rain (between March and June). Its vivid yellow flowers tend to thrive for a mere two to three days before dropping off to make way for leaves. No seasons in Curaçao, this veritably awesome springtime phenomenon is most reminiscent of fall foliage… in 80+ F weather!
Time it right and catch the extravaganza in full effect on the west side of the island: Willibrodus, San Sebastian, Santa Cruz, Lagun, Jeremi, Knip, West Punt.
What say we organize an annual ‘Kibracha Blossom’ Festival, like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC?!
By Michèle van Veldhoven.
ALL PHOTOS BY Michèle van Veldhoven (taken on the way to Santa Barbara resort)
1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao 