Every year on July 2, the people of Curaçao come together to celebrate Curaçao Flag and National Anthem Day. This day is full of meaning and pride. It honors two powerful symbols of the island: the flag and the national anthem. Both represent the island’s culture, history, and unity.

A Flag with Deep Meaning

The Curaçao flag was officially adopted in 1984. It was designed by Martin den Dulk, a young man who was only 18 years old at the time. His design was chosen in a national competition.The flag has a simple but strong look. The blue background stands for the sky and the sea that surround Curaçao. A bright yellow stripe near the bottom represents the Caribbean sun. In the top left corner are two white stars. These stars stand for Curaçao and the small nearby island of Klein Curaçao. Each star has five points, which represent the five continents from which the island’s people come. This flag shows both pride and unity.

The Anthem’s Church Roots

The Curaçao national anthem is called Himno di Kòrsou. The words were first written in 1888 by a Catholic friar named Friar Radulphus. At first, they were sung to the tune of the Dutch national anthem.

Later, in the 1930s, a new melody was composed by Friar Candidus Nouwens, another Catholic priest. The anthem was updated again in 1978, and today, the version with the new music and lyrics is used across the island. Most of the time, only the first and last verses are sung. The anthem is usually sung in Papiamentu, the local language spoken by most of Curaçao’s people.

How Curacao Celebrates this Holiday

July 2 is a public holiday in Curaçao. People do not go to work or school. Instead, they take part in community events. In places like Otrobanda, Montaña, Barber, and Plaza Brion, you’ll see flag-raising ceremonies, parades, traditional dances, and people wearing colorful island clothing.
Cultural groups perform music and dances that celebrate Curaçao’s African and Caribbean heritage. Children learn about the flag and anthem in school, and many can recite the anthem with pride.
There are also local markets, art displays, and food stalls where people enjoy local treats. The flag flies high on buildings and homes, and you can feel the strong sense of identity and pride everywhere.

Why It Matters

Curaçao Flag and National Anthem Day is more than just a day off. It is a reminder of the island’s journey. From colonial times to becoming a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao has created its own voice. The flag and anthem help tell that story.

If you ever visit Curaçao in early July, you’ll get a real sense of what makes the island special. From the symbols on the flag to the proud words of the anthem, this day brings the people of Curaçao together in joy and pride.