As part of the hotel’s Spirit to Serve program
WILLEMSTAD - Courtyard Curaçao recently opened its doors in Otrobanda, a strategic choice by the owners, as this neighborhood is known as the beating heart of Curaçao. With many team members having grown up or still living in Otrobanda, and a strong focus on giving back to the community, it was a natural step for Courtyard Curaçao to support this year’s Kaya Kaya Festival.
Otrobanda has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the annual Kaya Kaya Festival and the involvement of thousands of visitors. The festival focuses not only on the renewal of the neighborhood but also on supporting the families who live there. This aligns perfectly with Courtyard Curaçao's 'Spirit to Serve' program.
This year, Courtyard Curaçao is contributing to the festival by offering free accommodations to young artists participating in the new Skol Urbano program of the Kaya Kaya Festival. This program is taking place this week in the old St. Martinus College, a former school transformed into a creative learning environment, hosting workshops in poetry, dance, and music. The program also featured the album launch of "Riba Ruta" by Aldaïr, a promising local artist from Otrobanda, who is also staying at the hotel.
Artist Aldair at Marriott Courtyard
Additionally, Courtyard Curaçao is proud to host some of the prominent artists performing at Kaya Kaya, such as Kevv and Gillord Pisas.
What makes this year even more special is that some team members from Courtyard Curaçao participated in a dance workshop during this week’s Kaya Kaya activities. The hotel is proud that its staff represented the Courtyard Curaçao team in this way during the festival.
Ernst van Zutphen, General Manager of Courtyard Curaçao, commented: "As a proud member of the Otrobanda community, Courtyard by Marriott is committed to the preservation and revitalization of this historic area. Through our ‘Spirit to Serve’ program, we are honored to support initiatives that make a positive impact. Partnering with Kaya Kaya to host talented artists in the heart of Otrobanda at our hotel is more than just an opportunity—it’s a meaningful way to contribute to the development of our community and to celebrate the vibrant culture that defines Otrobanda."
The Courtyard Curaçao team, together with its guests, looks forward to the upcoming Kaya Kaya activities, with the main festival taking place on Saturday. Above all, the hotel team is excited to see how the Kaya Kaya organization continues to renew, improve, and inspire Otrobanda, constantly elevating the neighborhood to new heights.
