30 May 2026

30 May 2026

May 30, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, during the weekly shopping night, the city was illuminated in blue and World Cup fever truly began to take hold. Nationalism and patriotism are running high. This celebration will not end with Curaçao’s eventual elimination from the tournament; its effects will linger long afterward. We are rightly proud and, for several weeks, we will be part of the world's headlines. People who have never heard of Curaçao will now hear our name.

On that same day, it was announced that the price of gasoline would increase by 26 cents per liter. This will further deepen and expand poverty on the island.

Nationalism and patriotism, however, also have a shadow side. They often leave little room for criticism, because criticism is seen as spoiling the party. Yet it is precisely at moments like these that those who care about democracy must continue to speak critically and honestly.

Today, May 30, Curaçao plays a friendly match against Scotland. It is also a historic day. This week, Cesar Palacios interviewed me about the significance of May 30, 1969. I told him that the memory of that day is slowly eroding. We also discussed growing inequality and the fact that more and more people are talking about the possibility of a new May 30.

I do not believe that will happen. We no longer have the leaders and trade unions capable of organizing and directing such a movement.

Glenn Thomas heard the interview and has invited me to speak on Monday about the erosion of our important national days and historical memory.

For now, however, let us celebrate football. At the same time, we must not forget that Curaçao faces serious challenges that will still be with us long after the final whistle has blown.

Miguel Goede