WILLEMSTAD - The streets of Pietermaai are expected to be bustling this afternoon as the neighborhood hosts its traditional New Year’s Eve festivities, attracting large crowds and featuring several massive firecrackers (pagaras). 

In past years, a single long pagara was set off on Kaya Wilson 'Papa' Godett. However, recent celebrations have shifted to Nieuwestraat, where this afternoon three 300,000-pagara firecrackers will be lit. The exact time of the event remains undisclosed by the organizers. 

Entertainment Lineup 

While the event flyer lists a start time of 2:00 PM, the organizers told Curacao.nu that festivities will kick off earlier, at noon. Entertainment includes performances by the Kurashi Collective, DJ Mr. Brown, and bands Happy Peanuts and The Sleeves. 

The Sleeves will perform at the vacant lot next to Gold Market on Theaterstraat as part of the End of Year Extravaganza Party hosted by Pietermaai Music Live. At 7:00 PM, attendees will join a countdown to mark the arrival of the Dutch New Year, which occurs five hours earlier than in Curaçao. 

Parking Advice 

The organizers encourage visitors to arrive around noon and park at the Waaigat parking area. 

Music Locations 

Entertainment will be spread across multiple venues in Pietermaai: 

Mr. Porter – Kurashi Collective 

Pietermaai Plein – DJ Mr. Brown 

Mundo Bizarro / Theaterstraat – End of Year Extravaganza featuring Happy Peanuts & The Sleeves