Siman di Kultura

Siman di Kultura

30 September 2026

I have not noticed much about Culture Week arriving again. The only thing I noticed was that a delicious meat soup was served at home. It had been distributed at work. Some people also feel that it is too much about eating, drinking, and partying. Once again, it is a folkloric event in which Afro culture in particular is showcased.

It has never been explained that culture is how a people survive. It has never been explained that Curaçaoan culture is multicultural. Curaçaoan culture interfaces with all cultures. It is not without reason that Papiamentu is considered by some to be a natural Esperanto.

There are no scientific conferences linked to Culture Week. Nor is there a lecture series in which scholars can explain our culture.

Another thing that stands out is that culture is also intertwined with nature, particularly with our food. Something we are destroying in just a few years. The population and architecture are changing rapidly, and so is our culture.

It is time for an institute that actually studies our culture. We do not have much use for a week of festivities. Our culture is special because it explains how we can become Little League World Champions and, as the smallest country ever, participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Miguel Goede