WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will celebrate the 22nd edition of Culture Week from September 27 through October 4, 2026, under the theme “From Curaçao to the World.” This year’s program will highlight Curaçao’s culture and local talents who have made their mark internationally.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (ESKD) announced that Culture Week 2026 will be dedicated to Urny Florán and Izaline Calister, in recognition of two Curaçao talents whose work has reached audiences beyond the island.
The celebrations begin Sunday, September 27, with a cultural Mass at the Basilica of St. Anne at 8:00 a.m. The official opening program will follow at Molenplein from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Later in the day, the Ministry will join forces with Kaya Kaya to transform several areas of Otrobanda into cultural venues. From 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., visitors will be able to move between Molenplein, St. Martinus, Brionplein and other locations while enjoying music, dance, visual arts, tambú, storytelling, food and locally made products.
At Molenplein, the program will feature live music, entertainment, local artisans and gastronomy. Performers include Grupo Den Dam, Oriri and Axl & Orchestra, bringing together several local artists for a varied musical program. Culture Week honoree Izaline Calister will also participate.
St. Martinus will focus on culture, art and interactive experiences for the entire family. Activities will include music, workshops, talks, storytelling, poetry and visual arts.
Several free workshops and talks will allow participants to learn more about Curaçao’s culture and creative traditions. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Another part of the St. Martinus program will be an interactive podcast featuring conversations and interviews with guests including Ruthsel Soliana and Percy Pinedo. Isoko will also be part of the evening.
Poetry and other forms of artistic expression will be presented by Eduard Reineta, Tittel Del Mar, Kati Qui, Tyson Hill and Crisanta Martha. A special “Kas di Arte” will showcase works produced in Curaçao, placing local visual artists and creativity in the spotlight.
St. Martinusstraat will meanwhile host “Djadumingu na Otrobanda,” which coincides with World Tourism Day.
Kombo Krioyo, led by Hershel Rosario, will provide the musical foundation for the program and accompany singers including Yumarya Grijt and Ike Jesurun. Visitors will also find local crafts, food, beverages and other Curaçao products, while a dedicated children's area will offer activities for younger visitors.
The “Djadumingu na Otrobanda” concept, initiated by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), is intended to continue beyond Culture Week. According to the government, the plan is for the event to return on the final Sunday of every month, creating a recurring occasion for residents and visitors to gather in Otrobanda.
At Brionplein, dance will take center stage during SKOBA’s 2026 Folkloric Dance Festival. Ten dance groups will perform, showcasing different styles, choreography and forms of cultural expression. This marks the fifth year that SKOBA has presented the festival.
The different locations are intended to create a cultural route through Otrobanda, allowing visitors to walk from one area to another and experience music, dance, poetry, art, food, workshops and locally produced goods.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports is inviting the entire community to participate in the opening celebrations and the activities taking place throughout Culture Week.
Under the message “From Curaçao to the World,” this year’s edition aims not only to celebrate the island’s traditions, but also to recognize how Curaçao’s artists, musicians and other cultural talents carry the island’s identity onto the international stage.