WILLEMSTAD – Thousands of children are set to discover the power of reading during the first-ever Reading Festival Curaçao, a two-day event aimed at promoting literacy, language development, and a love for books.
The festival is organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport in collaboration with Stichting Biblionef Netherlands, the University of Curaçao (UoC), and the National Library of Curaçao. The event will take place on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Preparations are currently in full swing, with organizers developing an engaging and interactive program designed to introduce children to books, storytelling, and language in a fun and inspiring way. The festival will feature a wide range of literacy-focused activities, including author workshops, reading sessions, interactive language games, and a book exhibition.
On Friday, March 20, a special program will be held for students from 21 primary schools, focusing on improving reading skills and encouraging reading enjoyment. The activities will take place at Johan Maurits School in Willemstad and will involve fifth-grade students participating in workshops led by authors, sessions facilitated by trainee teachers, and various interactive language activities.
On Saturday, March 21, the festival will open to children and young people aged 0 to 16. Activities will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the same location. The program includes storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, and interactive engagements with authors, alongside music and dance activities, a tambú workshop, and digital learning sessions.
Younger children will have access to dedicated reading sessions, while older participants can take part in creative writing and storytelling activities. In addition to the educational program, the festival will feature a creative zone, play area, face painting corner, and a kids’ food court, making it a fun and educational outing for the entire family.
Children will also have the opportunity to enjoy free reading, explore a book exhibition, receive reading tips, and access digital library resources and audiobooks. Attendance requires supervision by a parent or guardian.
Following similar events in Sint Maarten and Aruba, the Reading Festival is now being introduced in Curaçao to further promote reading among children. More than 2,500 books will be donated during the event to improve access to reading materials on the island. Participating students will also have the chance to win prizes, while schools involved will receive books to continue encouraging reading long after the festival concludes.
