Expanding Beyond the Festival to Create Lasting Impact in Otrobanda
WILLEMSTAD – Since its inception in 2018, Kaya Kaya has grown into one of Curaçao’s most popular cultural events, best known for its vibrant street festival, colorful murals, and artistic installations throughout Ser’i Otrobanda. Now, after seven years of expansion and international recognition, the organization is shifting its focus. Following an internal evaluation and feedback from residents and partners, Kaya Kaya is evolving from an annual festival into a year-round movement with various events, activities, and projects aimed at strengthening the community.
Kaya Kaya Festival vs. Kaya Kaya Street Party
As part of this transformation, the Kaya Kaya Festival will now be held every two years, with the next edition planned for 2026. In the meantime, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Kaya Kaya will introduce the Kaya Kaya Street Party—a vibrant "Destination Event" celebrating music, dance, art, local gastronomy, and more.
The Street Party will remain a multi-stage experience, but with a reduced capacity of 10,000 visitors compared to the 20,000 attendees seen at previous festivals. Despite the smaller scale, it will continue to provide a platform for local talent and entrepreneurs while serving as a celebration of the movement’s ongoing projects throughout the year.
This new approach allows Kaya Kaya to distribute its resources more effectively, enhance its long-term impact on Otrobanda, and lay the groundwork for a major cultural showcase in 2026.
2025 – 2028: Kaya Kaya Movement
Otrobanda is a district rich in culture and history that deserves continuous attention. To further develop and strengthen the area as a cultural and economic hub, Kaya Kaya has engaged a professional consultant to create a Master Plan for the district's growth over the next 3, 5, and 10 years.
As part of this strategy, a series of meetings, presentations, workshops, training sessions, and coaching programs will be organized to gather ideas and proposals from the community. Residents, business owners, and organizations will work together to create a practical action plan that prioritizes feasible initiatives.
The movement focuses on four key areas:
Social Development
Environmental Sustainability
Economic Growth
Cultural Revitalization
Additionally, the plan considers urban development and addresses the specific needs of Otrobanda’s residents. By involving all stakeholders, Kaya Kaya aims to create a sustainable and community-driven transformation that benefits both locals and visitors.
Kaya Kaya 2025: A Year of Cultural Initiatives
In 2025, a series of events and activities will take place throughout the year, including:
Merkado Amor pa Otrobanda (Love for Otrobanda Market)
Art Week
Football Competitions
Kriativiti Fest, a festival dedicated to strengthening the local creative industry
Skol Urbano and Artwalkstry, returning once again in 2025
Kaya Kaya Street Party
Beyond entertainment, the movement will also focus on social and educational projects to improve the quality of life for Otrobanda’s residents and empower local entrepreneurs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone—residents, visitors, and tourists—feels welcome and safe while exploring the streets of Otrobanda.
Love for Otrobanda: A Community-Driven Initiative
Otrobanda is a historically and culturally significant neighborhood, and the Amor pa Otrobanda (Love for Otrobanda) initiative aims to preserve its heritage while shaping its future. By empowering local residents, the movement seeks to establish Otrobanda as the vibrant heart of Curaçao, contributing to the area's cultural, social, and economic revitalization.
Throughout the year, several Merkado Amor pa Otrobanda events will take place, providing a platform for local businesses, artists, and organizations to share their work and celebrate Otrobanda’s identity. The first edition of the market was a resounding success, and the next two events are scheduled for:
Saturday, March 29 – Celebrating the traditional Seú festival
Saturday, April 27 – In honor of King’s Day
By continuously engaging the community and showcasing Otrobanda’s rich artistic, cultural, and historical offerings, Kaya Kaya is committed to revitalizing the neighborhood and ensuring that both locals and visitors rediscover its unique charm.
