Curaçao Pride: A Week-Long Celebration of Love and Unity
Curaçao Pride bursts onto the scene as a vibrant week-long celebration filled with parties, performances, and community gatherings. While the festivities span the entire week, my adventure began on Thursday, just in time for the crown jewel of the event – the Pride Parade!
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Before the Parade: A Week of Festivities
Curaçao Pride offered a vibrant array of events leading up to the grand finale. From art exhibitions and workshops to parties and performances, there was something for everyone. Highlights included the Curaçao Pride Opening, the Pride Photo Exhibition, TigerPuss, the Vogue Brunch, Open Mic Night, and educational workshops. These events created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, setting the stage for the Pride Parade.
The Heart of the Celebration: The Pride Parade
As the clock struck 6 pm, the energy crackled through the air. I strolled down the bustling streets of Pietermaai, weaving through the vibrant neighborhood of Punda and past the lively Pride Park. Crossing the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, which gracefully connects Punda and Otrobanda, I arrived at the kick-off event at the fort. DJs spun pulsating tunes and set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The anticipation soared as 7 pm rolled around. The official Pride Parade kicked off, a kaleidoscope of color and joy erupting onto the streets.
As we marched together, the vibrant procession made its way towards the bridge, crossing it with a wave of energy, and into Punda.
The energetic brass band at the front fueled the celebratory atmosphere as we made our way through the enthusiastic crowds lining the streets of Punda. The parade culminated at the vibrant Rainbow Park, leaving a trail of joy and acceptance in its wake.
Rainbow Park: Celebrating Love and Progress
By 8 pm, the vibrant scene at Rainbow Park (Queen Wilhelmina Park in Punda, Willemstad) had reached a fever pitch.
Curaçao Pride's board addressed the enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the significance of the occasion. This was not only the second year of Pride under the current board, but also a momentous celebration in light of the legalisation of same-sex marriage in both Curaçao and Aruba (July 2024).
The night was filled with speeches, awards, and good music. The "Kuèrdo" award, a newly created term in Papiamento to represent "queer," was presented to recognise the contributions of local LGBTQ+ advocates. Caribbean Courage band kept the energy high with danceable tunes, uniting everyone under the celebratory atmosphere.
As the festivities at Rainbow Park drew to a close around 11 pm, I made my way to Gaze Bar. The official after-party was in full swing, with people arriving directly from the park, their voices hoarse from cheering and their faces beaming. The karaoke performances and lively atmosphere capped off an unforgettable night, a testament to Curaçao's growing LGBTQ+ pride.
Learn more about Willemstad's LGBTQ+ bars on our Curaçao Pride page!
Exploring Willemstad's LGBTQ+ History
Friday morning kicked off with an insightful tour led by Nelly Rosa, a local journalist, feminist, LGBTQ+ activist, and Otrobanda tour guide. Nelly's "Queer City Tour," organised by Curaçao Pride, delved into the island's fascinating LGBTQ+ history.
The tour began at the ferry terminal near the Queen Emma Bridge, a symbol of connection between the two halves of Willemstad. Nelly highlighted the significance of the first Pride Walk in 2016, which crossed this iconic bridge as a powerful act of visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. She discussed the challenges faced by the community, including past censorship of drag performances and attempts to ban events like the International Miss Gay competition.
Throughout the tour, Nelly pointed out historical "queer" spaces like Rum Runners (now De Gouverneur), El Gato Negro, and Hitsville. We also learned about Norman de Palm Theater, built by theatremaker and screenwriter Norman de Palm, who, along with Felix de Rooy, defied societal norms and fought for equal rights through their art.
Nelly's dedication to preserving Curaçao's LGBTQ+ history is truly inspiring. Her work as a tour guide and her planned book promise to shed light on the island's vibrant and often untold past.
Nelly's passion and insightful commentary enriched the tour experience. Her dedication to LGBTQ+ activism and her efforts to document the island's LGBTQ+ history are commendable.
We encourage you to follow her work on Instagram (@roseabovemedia) and stay tuned for the release of her book.
Friday Night Lights: The Pride Ball
Friday night glittered with the glamour of the Curaçao Pride Ball, held at Bario Bar. As an official guest of the Curaçao Tourist Board, I was thrilled to experience this unforgettable event.
Organised by Curaçao Pride, the Ball showcased the island's best ballroom performers. From fierce voguing battles to stunning runway walks, the competition featured six official prized categories: Performance, Body, Lip Sync, Runway, Best Dressed, and Face. The energy in the room was electric as the crowd erupted in cheers for each captivating performance.
A Weekend of Unforgettable Experiences
My Curaçao Pride adventure concluded with a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences. Unfortunately, I missed the highly anticipated Freskura Cabaret and the closing parties, the SunBuns Beach Bash and the NaviGAYtion Pride Boat Party. However, I've heard rave reviews about these events, and they promise to be highlights for those who stayed for the entire week.
Curaçao Pride exceeded my expectations, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The island's warm hospitality and inclusive spirit made me feel right at home.
