Día di Victoria: Curaçao’s Triumph Over British Aggression and the Call to Restore Its Legacy

February 26, 1804, remains an extraordinary date in Curaçao’s history, celebrated as Día di Victoria. This day marked the successful defense of the island against a British invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Over six weeks of relentless fighting, beginning in mid-January, Curaçao’s defenders—led by Luis Brion and Manuel Carlos Piar, and bolstered by the courage of the local population—defied the odds and defeated one of the world’s most powerful colonial empires.  

However, this significant chapter in Curaçao’s history, once commemorated for several years, was deliberately erased from collective memory by the Dutch colonial government, which downplayed its significance. The victory was forgotten, and its commemoration was suppressed to reinforce colonial narratives. Today, it is up to the people of Curaçao to reclaim this day and restore it to its rightful place in the national consciousness.  

The Background: Curaçao’s Strategic Value and British Ambitions  

Curaçao’s strategic location and natural harbor made it a critical asset in the Caribbean. For Britain, controlling the island meant dominating trade routes, disrupting Dutch and French commerce, and gaining a base to influence Spanish colonies in South America.  

After briefly occupying Curaçao in 1800, Britain launched a full-scale invasion in January 1804, determined to claim the island once and for all. With poorly prepared Dutch colonial forces, the British initially gained ground, capturing key positions such as Piscadera, where Dutch troops abandoned their artillery and retreated. However, the spirit of resistance, embodied by Luis Brion, Manuel Carlos Piar, and the courageous local population, turned the tide of the battle.  

The Six-Week Battle: Unity in Action  

From mid-January to February 26, 1804, Curaçao’s defenders engaged in a grueling six-week struggle. 

Luis Brion, an inspirational leader, rallied the island’s diverse population. He organized militias that included free Black and mixed-race citizens, farmers, merchants, and even former slaves. His leadership ensured a united resistance, transforming communities into a cohesive force against the British. 

Manuel Carlos Piar, with his sharp military instincts, led decisive counterattacks, reclaiming territory and forcing the British into retreat. Piar pursued the British from Roodeweg to Groot Kwartier, where his forces delivered a major blow. The battle then moved to Kanga and Dein, where Piar’s tactical brilliance dealt crushing defeats to the invaders, leaving them in disarray. 

  

It was Piar’s ability to inspire and unite the people that made him indispensable to the effort. Unlike Brion, whose role focused on organizing and fighting as part of the leadership, Piar had a rare charisma that brought together large crowds of locals. His words gave them the courage to believe in victory and the strength to fight fiercely, despite their limited resources. 

The local population was the backbone of the resistance: 

Men and women, armed with machetes, sticks, stones, and sheer determination, fought bravely alongside the militias. 

Young and old, including teenagers and elders, stood side by side, demonstrating that every Curaçaoan had a stake in the island’s freedom. 

Women not only supported the fight by tending to the wounded and carrying supplies but also joined the battle, proving their courage on the frontlines.  

At Kanga and Dein, Curaçao’s defenders struck decisive blows that forced the British to retreat. The battered British troops fled to Piscadera Bay, where they hastily boarded their ships, abandoning their invasion and leaving Curaçao’s defenders victorious.  

A Forgotten Victory: The Dutch Colonial Government’s Role  

Despite its significance, Día di Victoria was not preserved as a celebrated event in Curaçao’s history. Although it was commemorated in the years following the victory, the Dutch colonial government suppressed its memory. This deliberate erasure sought to downplay the agency and unity of Curaçao’s people, emphasizing Dutch control instead of local heroism.  

By erasing this legacy, colonial authorities sought to undermine the spirit of resistance and the roles played by Luis Brion, Manuel Carlos Piar, and the local population. This act of historical suppression robbed Curaçao of an important symbol of unity and strength.  

The Call to Restore Día di Victoria  

Today, it is up to the people of Curaçao to reclaim this important day and restore it to the national consciousness. Día di Victoria is more than just a historical milestone—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and the ability to overcome oppression.  

Reviving this day would honor the memory of those who fought for Curaçao’s freedom and recognize the enduring spirit of the island’s people. Restoring February 26 to the national calendar connects Curaçao’s past, present, and future, reminding us of the strength and courage that defines the island’s identity. 

Conclusion: Bringing Día di Victoria Back to the Nation  

Día di Victoria represents one of the most defining moments in Curaçao’s history—a time when the island’s people, led by Luis Brion and Manuel Carlos Piar, united to resist colonial domination and achieve an improbable victory. Though the Dutch colonial government attempted to erase this legacy, the spirit of February 26, 1804, lives on as a symbol of Curaçao’s indomitable will.  

Let us remember Piar’s ability to unite and inspire the people, Brion’s leadership in rallying the militias, and the bravery of ordinary men, women, and children who believed they could triumph against a global empire. 

It is now our responsibility to restore Día di Victoria to its rightful place in Curaçao’s history. By bringing this day back into the national consciousness, we honor not only the past but also the enduring spirit of a people who refused to be subdued.  

Nos Ke Sa—what we want to know and need to know—is that Día di Victoria belongs to Curaçao and its people. Let February 26 remind us of our resilience, unity, and strength as a nation.




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