As a result, the island is starting to shed its backwater feel and may gradually become more like other Caribbean islands. The multinational froth that is Bonaire's culture is evident in the local creolized language. Papiamento is based on Portuguese but is much influenced by Spanish, Dutch and the Arawak Indian language. The island's mix of music and dance is even more polyglot, with African Bari, European polka, Latin Joropo, West Indian merengue and the indigenous Simadan harvest song all frequently performed. Traditional instruments included animal bones and gourds partially filled with water.
Hand clapping is common in Bonairean folk music, in contrast to most of the rest of the Caribbean.
Visual arts are dominated by woodcarving and fabrics but a smattering of recent eclectic painting in the Kralendijk museum elucidates local Indian stories. The Bonaire Art Gallery, also in Kralendijk, is a private concern with a community emphasis. Islanders tend to follow the religious lead of their 'mother country' and worship as Catholics. Bonaire isn't a prudish place but locals will look askance at visitors traipsing the town in a bathing suit. Slipping on a shirt and shorts is as formal as you have to get to avoid causing offense.