WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's traditional barrel organ music will take center stage from November 15 to 22, 2026, during the annual Siman di Kaha di Òrgel (Barrel Organ Week), with this year's celebration dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women who have helped preserve one of the island's distinctive musical traditions.
Under the theme "Damanan na Timon," meaning "Women at the Helm," the festivities will highlight the role of women in maintaining and promoting Curaçao's barrel organ heritage.
Barrel organ
The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Wilhelminaplein in Punda, where Ridia Luciano and Sharina Rosinda will receive special recognition for their contributions to the tradition.
The event is organized by the Culture and Sports Sector of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS), in cooperation with Plataforma Kaha di Òrgel.
Through the annual celebration, organizers aim to increase public appreciation for traditional barrel organ music and recognize the individuals who continue to keep this important part of Curaçao's cultural identity alive.
Women Take Center Stage
This year's theme places particular emphasis on the contributions of women to the preservation and continuation of the barrel organ tradition.
During the opening ceremony, ten women will each present a musical selection as part of a festive performance featuring ten traditional barrel organs.
The performances are intended to demonstrate the active role women play in preserving the music and passing the tradition on to future generations.
A special tribute will also be paid to Ridia Luciano and Sharina Rosinda, who have been selected as this year's honorees.
Their recognition forms an important part of the celebration and reflects the organizers' desire to acknowledge individuals whose dedication has contributed to keeping the musical heritage alive.
A Musical Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
Traditional barrel organ music has been part of Curaçao's cultural life for generations.
Known locally as kaha di òrgel, these mechanical musical instruments produce recognizable melodies, including waltzes, danzas, and other traditional dance music.
The instruments have historically contributed to celebrations, community gatherings, and cultural activities throughout the island.
Their distinctive sound remains closely associated with Curaçao's musical identity and cultural history.
The annual Barrel Organ Week provides an opportunity to celebrate this heritage while drawing attention to the importance of preserving traditional instruments and the knowledge required to operate and maintain them.
By involving both established performers and younger generations, organizers hope to ensure that the tradition continues to have a place in Curaçao's cultural landscape.
Opening Celebration at Wilhelminaplein
The official opening festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, at Wilhelminaplein in Punda.
The program will open with Curaçao's national anthem, followed by a presentation on the history of the barrel organ and an explanation of this year's theme.
A dance performance involving attending dignitaries is also included in the program.
At 6:30 p.m., dance group Pilanan di Futuro will perform accompanied by the barrel organ Mi Futuro.
The main musical program will begin at 7:00 p.m., featuring ten traditional barrel organs.
During the first round, ten women will each present a musical piece, emphasizing the central theme of women's contributions to the tradition.
A second round of barrel organ performances will follow later in the evening.
The program will also include a poetry recital, adding another cultural element to the celebration.
The opening festivities are scheduled to conclude at 10:00 p.m.
A Week Dedicated to Cultural Preservation
Following the opening ceremony, Siman di Kaha di Òrgel will officially run from Sunday, November 15, through Sunday, November 22.
The initiative reflects continued efforts by the Ministry of OWCS and Plataforma Kaha di Òrgel to promote awareness of Curaçao's traditional musical heritage.
This year's focus on women provides an opportunity to recognize contributions that have helped sustain the tradition over the years.
The organizers hope the celebration will encourage greater appreciation for barrel organ music and inspire future generations to participate in preserving this distinctive aspect of Curaçao's culture.
With ten barrel organs, musical performances, dance, poetry, and special tributes, the opening evening at Wilhelminaplein promises to bring traditional Curaçao music to the heart of Willemstad while celebrating the women who help keep it alive.