WILLEMSTAD - A total of 47 singers have registered for their participation in the 52nd edition of the Tumba Festival this year. They will be accompanied by 21 music groups. The Tumba festival is one of Curaçao's largest cultural events, playing a central role in the celebration of the carnival. 

In the musical competition, local artists and bands compete for the honor of having their Tumba chosen as the official carnival song of the year. 

During the Tumba Festival, participants present their original Tumbas, which often address current themes, social issues, or simply festive and joyful topics. 

The festival takes place leading up to the Curaçao carnival. The highlight is the election of the Tumba King or Queen, where the winning Tumba is crowned as the official song for that year's carnival. This winning Tumba is then played during various carnival activities and parades. 

Not all singers who came for registration yesterday will actually be participating. Every year, it turns out that some singers and music groups drop out. 

But the schedule for the first three days of the festival is now known, with seven performing music groups each evening. After that, the final days follow, with the king of the Tumba ultimately being chosen on Friday with his song. 

Innovations 

The 52nd edition of the Curaçao Tumba Festival this year introduces a significant number of innovations. Key changes include the implementation of a new QR code system for ticket control, a redesign of the food court, and a special app that allows fans to vote during the final evening. 

Another notable innovation is the introduction of its streaming platform, 'Nos Tumba', to cover the rising organization costs, which have increased by 40%. This platform will also include pay-per-view (PPV) options. 

Theme 

This year's theme, 'Nos Playanan' (Our Beaches), will be prominently featured in the design and decoration of the festival. According to the organization, this theme is a deliberate choice to further promote the unique cultural and natural beauty of Curaçao, especially in an era where social media and streaming play a more significant role. 

The largest and longest-running music festival in Curaçao takes place from January 22 to 26.