Dia di Tula

On August 17, 2026, it will be over 230 years since the great slave uprising led by Tula broke out in Curaçao. We commemorate Tula and a group of enslaved people who rose up against the then regime on that date. When we celebrate the Seú festival today in Curaçao or Bonaire, we see a colorful procession of people in beautiful white cotton clothing, with colorful headscarves and baskets full of tropical fruits on their heads. It is a joyful parade, a celebration of the harvest. But if you look closely, you can see in every step, every sway, and every rhythm a thousands-year-old history of loss, resistance, and resilience. 

During the Dia di Tula commemoration and celebration in the Forum, Carl Blijd, psychiatrist specializing in transcultural psychiatry, historical traumas, and resilience, will give a lecture. Cissy Joan, a poet and performer with roots in the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Suriname, will perform spoken word.  

Additionally, the Grupo Krioningers will be present. With passion, they present a diverse repertoire of traditional Curaçaoan music styles. From the uplifting rhythms of the seú and tumba to the soulful sounds of the waltz and tambú. This dynamic group of musicians combines powerful percussion, singing, and dancing into an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be swept away by the energy and the swinging history of their Afro-Caribbean traditions.  

Keep an eye on this page for the exact program!