WILLEMSTAD – Thousands of people took to the streets on Curaçao for the 2026 edition of the Marcha di Seú, as forty groups paraded through Willemstad on Easter Monday in a vibrant display of culture, music, and dance.
The procession began at the intersection of Rooseveltweg and Venezuelaweg and followed its traditional route through the city. Groups, some consisting of dozens to hundreds of participants, showcased elaborate costumes, live music, and carefully choreographed performances. Large crowds gathered along the streets to watch the colorful parade.
Organizers and participants described this year’s edition as a success, highlighting the level of preparation and energy displayed by the groups. Attention now shifts to the upcoming Marcha di Seú in Bandabou, scheduled for next Sunday.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the event has also reignited debate about the evolving nature of the Seú. Traditionally a harvest celebration rooted in Curaçao’s agricultural past, critics argue that the original meaning of the event is gradually being lost.
According to some observers, the focus has shifted away from agriculture toward spectacle, with floats, costumes, and music dominating the parade, while the presence of farmers and agricultural products has diminished.
There are also concerns that the spiritual and religious aspects of the harvest tradition—centered on gratitude for the land’s yield—have largely faded from the modern celebration.
In addition, the Seú has increasingly transitioned from a rural tradition into an urban event. Historically tied to farming communities and the work of the kunukero, or local farmers, the celebration now primarily takes place in the city, with limited involvement from the agricultural sector.
The discussion reflects a broader question about the identity of the Seú today: whether it remains a harvest festival at its core, or has evolved into a cultural and folkloric event.
Supporters of the current format view it as a powerful expression of Curaçao’s cultural identity and heritage, while critics argue for a stronger reconnection with agriculture and food production to preserve its original significance.