WILLEMSTAD – Christoffel Park will host an Open Day in Sabaneta on Sunday, September 27, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the history, traditions, crafts and natural environment associated with the area.
The event will run from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. under the theme “A Day in the Life of Sabaneta, 1885 – Freedom, Work and Community.” The cultural and educational program is free of charge.
Oral history will play an important role in the program. Echi Cijntje will present an oral history session from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a conversation led by Sinuhe van Ommen from 11:00 a.m. to noon with members of the Doran, Cijntje, Lourens, De Lannooy and Sambo families, all of whom have connections to Sabaneta.
Traditional crafts and trades will also be demonstrated. Visitors will be able to see activities at the blacksmith shop, lime kiln and charcoal kiln, while the Sabaneta Museum will be open free of charge during the cultural program.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m., several stands will offer food, drinks, handicrafts and educational materials.
Nature will also form an important part of the Open Day. The nursery near Landhuis Sabaneta, which contains more than 2,500 plants representing over 100 local species, will open to visitors.
Guests can learn about the nursery’s work, receive advice on native plants suitable for their own gardens and purchase plants.
At noon, Elia Isenia will lead a music and dance workshop. Yaya Tours and various activities for children and families will also be available during the morning.
Safari Tours, Boca Grandi and Christoffel Mountain
In addition to the free cultural and educational program, several paid activities will be available.
Safari tours will depart at 6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at a cost of XCG 10 per person.
A guided hike to Boca Grandi will begin at 6:30 a.m. and continue until 9:00 a.m., with breakfast provided afterward. Participation costs XCG 50 per person, and advance reservations are required.
Visitors wishing to climb Christoffel Mountain will pay the regular park admission rates: XCG 2 for local residents upon presentation of valid identification and XCG 26.25 for tourists.
Although Christoffel Park’s Open Day concludes at 2:00 p.m., activities in Sabaneta will continue with the Dia di Sabaneta program.
The official opening is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., followed by musical entertainment featuring Típiko San Mangó, a DJ, Kaha di Òrgel and Grupo Kompèr, among others.
The program will continue until 7:00 p.m.
