WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Defense Ministry and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will once again play a major role during Velas Curaçao 2026, contributing an extensive program of maritime demonstrations, security exhibitions and public activities from May 2 to May 4.
The organizers say this year’s military and coast guard participation will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience maritime operations up close, with activities designed for all ages.
The event forms part of the international tall ships festival in Curaçao, which will bring several historic sailing vessels into the harbor of Sint Annabaai.
One of the highlights will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 8:00 a.m., when the first arriving tall ship, the Spanish Navy training vessel Juan Sebastián de Elcano, will be ceremonially welcomed by the Royal Netherlands Navy with traditional salute shots during the official sail-in.
The military spectacle continues on Sunday, May 3, with large-scale sea and air demonstrations near the Queen Emma Bridge between 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
During the demonstrations, units from the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will showcase how they conduct real-life operations such as search and rescue missions and boarding operations.
The program will begin with a fly-by from the Coast Guard’s De Havilland Canada Dash 8 patrol aircraft.
This will be followed by an interception exercise involving a so-called “go-fast” boat, a search and rescue demonstration in cooperation with CITRO, and operational displays by the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps boat platoon.
The public will also see demonstrations by the AgustaWestland AW139 and the NH90, both actively used for maritime security and rescue missions in the Caribbean region.
In addition to the sea and air demonstrations, local Curaçao military units will perform land-based demonstrations at the Defense & Security Village on the Motet Wharf.
These land demonstrations are scheduled for Sunday from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and again from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
The Defense & Security Village itself will be one of the main attractions on land.
Located at Motet Wharf, the village will feature military equipment, operational displays and direct interaction with defense and coast guard personnel.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to board and tour the stationed naval vessel HNLMS Friesland and the Coast Guard cutter Jaguar.
The village will be open:
· Saturday, May 2: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
· Sunday, May 3: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
· Monday, May 4: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
More than 100 military and coast guard personnel will be present to receive and inform visitors.
The exhibition will include participation from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the Vrijwilligers Korps Curaçao and Caribbean military units.
For children and young people, activities will include an obstacle course and a climbing tower provided by the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Music will also be part of the event.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force Orchestra will provide live performances aimed at strengthening connection and public engagement, while showcasing another side of the armed forces.
The orchestra will perform on May 2 at Brionplein together with artists including Shirma Rouse and musical arrangements by Randal Corsen.
A second performance is scheduled for May 3 at noon.
All activities at the Defense & Security Village are free to the public.
Defense and Coast Guard officials are inviting residents and visitors to attend and experience firsthand the work, equipment and people behind maritime security and defense operations in the Dutch Caribbean.