National Anthem and Flag Day in Curaçao is a patriotic celebration held annually to honor the island’s national symbols: the anthem Himno di Kòrsou and the Curaçao flag. This day reflects the cultural pride, unity, and history of this Caribbean nation.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 2nd
- Tagged as: National Holiday, Cultural Celebration
- What’s the hashtag?: #CuracaoFlagDay
- When was it founded?: 1954 (officially celebrated since 1984)
- Who founded it?: Curaçao Government
History
The holiday commemorates the adoption of Curaçao’s flag and anthem. The flag, designed by Martin den Dulk in 1984, symbolizes the island’s natural beauty and heritage. The blue background represents the sea and sky, while the yellow stripe symbolizes sunshine. The two stars stand for Curaçao and Klein Curaçao, with their five points representing the continents from which its people originate.
The anthem Himno di Kòrsou was first written in 1898 by Friar Radulphus and later updated in 1978 to reflect a modern sense of pride and independence. Both symbols highlight Curaçao’s journey to autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Timeline
- 1898: Original anthem lyrics written by Friar Radulphus.
- 1930s: New melody composed for the anthem.
- 1954: First Island Council session; Flag Day origins.
- 1978: Revised lyrics for Himno di Kòrsou.
- 1984: Official adoption of Curaçao’s flag; first Flag Day celebrated.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 2 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 2 | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 2 | Friday |
| 2028 | July 2 | Sunday |
| 2029 | July 2 | Monday |
| 2030 | July 2 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is marked with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, traditional dances, concerts, and cultural events at locations like Plaza Brion and the Village of Barber. Schools, businesses, and government offices remain closed as citizens celebrate national pride.
Fun Facts About National Anthem and Flag Day
- The flag design was chosen from nearly 2,000 submissions in a public competition.
- Only the first and last verses of Himno di Kòrsou are typically sung.
- The anthem is exclusively performed in Papiamentu.
Quiz
- What does the yellow stripe on Curaçao’s flag represent?
- Who designed Curaçao’s flag?
- In what year were the lyrics of Himno di Kòrsou revised?
(Answers: Sunshine; Martin den Dulk; 1978)
FAQs
Q: Why is National Anthem and Flag Day celebrated on July 2nd?
A: It marks the first session of Curaçao’s Island Council in 1954, symbolizing steps toward autonomy.
Q: What do the two stars on the flag represent?
A: They symbolize Curaçao and Klein Curaçao.
Q: Is this day a public holiday?
A: Yes, it is an official public holiday in Curaçao.
Importance of National Anthem and Flag Day
This day fosters national pride by celebrating two key symbols of identity—the flag and anthem—while reflecting on Curaçao’s rich history and cultural diversity.
Related
- Koningsdag (King’s Day) in the Netherlands
- Independence celebrations in other Caribbean nations
- Cultural festivals in Curaçao