WILLEMSTAD - Those living in Curaçao could not escape it this year: the harvest festival Seú was celebrated in a big way. According to the organizers, the cultural event has even become bigger than carnival.
After being absent for three years, the traditional harvest festival was celebrated again this year, which is the largest cultural event in Curaçao.
The tradition of Seú dates back to the times of slavery, when the gods were thanked for the harvest. "During the rainy season, they harvested, then went out onto the streets to thank the gods for the result of their hard work."
The "modern" festival has been organized since 1976. "The women carried baskets with vegetables and everything they had harvested from the kunuku (farmland) on their heads. You can also see this during the parades."
The big parade was on Easter Monday, but the activity agenda runs from March to May. "This is the Thanksgiving of Curaçao!" says Minthy McIntosh, committee member of the Kantadó Mayó, the organization behind Seú.
Thousands of children and adults participate in the Marcha di Seú (parade), dressed in colorful folklore attire, dancing to the seú music through the streets of Curaçao.
"Seú is getting bigger every year and it is even bigger than carnival. Seú is the festival of Curaçao, not carnival," says McIntosh. "Seú is number one, carnival comes in second."
Song festival, Queen of Seú
The song festival is organized every year. The winner may call themselves 'Kantadó Mayó' for a year and leads the singing during the celebration of the harvest festival Seú. A Reina Seú (Queen of Seú) is also chosen in the run-up to the parade.
Not only the number of participants is growing, but also the audience along the way. "It is a real family celebration," says McIntosh. "Young and old walk and whole families come together to watch the parades."
Interest among young people is growing
McIntosh notes that more and more young people are participating in the cultural event. "More and more young people are taking part, they are also trying to give their own twist to this tradition."
"Even in different elementary schools, students are busy rehearsing the dances that the children will perform during the parade weeks in advance."
"Important to pass on traditions"
McIntosh believes it is important for children and young people to continue to participate in Seú. "The elders must pass on the tradition to the young. It is important that young people learn about their culture and our traditions so that they can pass it on to their children later."
Next year, the big Seú parade will take place on Monday, April 1st.