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Dia di Bandera (Flag Day)
Photo: Kattiel via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
culturalEvent

Dia di Bandera (Flag Day)

The island honours its flag with music, folklore, and food

When2 July every year
WhereWillemstad, Willemstad
CostPublic celebrations are free to attend; food and drink are sold at stalls.
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Cultural
When
July to July
Duration
1 day
Location
Willemstad
Cost
Public celebrations are free to attend; food and drink are sold at stalls.
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
Large family crowds at parks and squares across the island
Family friendly
Yes
First held
Marks the first raising of the Curaçao flag in 1984
Local name
Dia di Bandera
Best arrival
Arrive in the afternoon as the public programme and concerts get going
What to wear
Light summer clothing; blue and yellow to match the flag and join the spirit
Food highlights
Curaçaoan staples from food standsFresh juices and cold drinksLocal snacks and grilled fare
Warnings
It is a busy public holiday, so plan around crowdsStay hydrated in the midday heatKeep belongings secure at packed events
What to bring
Sun protectionCash for food stallsWaterA small flag if you have one
The overview

Dia di Bandera (Flag Day)

Dia di Bandera, Flag Day, falls on 2 July and is one of Curaçao's most important national holidays. It marks the day the island's flag was first hoisted in 1984, two horizontal blue bands split by a yellow stripe, with two white stars for Curaçao and its little sister island. The day is a celebration of identity, and the blue-and-yellow flag appears everywhere, on cars, balconies, clothing, and face paint.

Celebrations centre on free public events. Open-air stages host local bands and dancers, and the programme leans into Curaçaoan folklore and traditional music, alongside contemporary acts. Families gather in parks and squares for the day, and food stalls serve local favourites well into the evening.

How locals celebrate

  • Flag-raising ceremonies and patriotic displays of the blue-and-yellow flag.
  • Free concerts and folklore performances in parks and public squares.
  • Food stands serving Curaçaoan staples, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

It is an easy, welcoming day to experience island culture firsthand. Wear blue and yellow to join in, base yourself near Willemstad for the main events, and pair the day with a morning on a calm leeward beach such as Playa Porto Mari before the festivities ramp up.

In pictures

Photo gallery

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is Dia di Bandera?

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Dia di Bandera, or Flag Day, is a Curaçaoan national holiday on 2 July that celebrates the island's flag and identity. It marks the day the blue-and-yellow flag was first raised in 1984, and the colours appear all over the island.

When is Dia di Bandera celebrated?

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It is held every year on 2 July. Free public events, concerts, and folklore performances run through the day and into the evening at parks and squares across the island.

What happens on Flag Day in Curaçao?

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Expect flag-raising ceremonies, free open-air concerts, folkloric music and dance, and food stalls in public parks. It is a relaxed, family-friendly day, and many people wear the flag's blue and yellow to join in.

Is Dia di Bandera free to attend?

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Yes. The public celebrations and concerts are free. You only pay for food and drink at the stalls. It is one of the easiest days to experience Curaçaoan culture firsthand.
Plan your visit

Dia di Bandera (Flag Day)

When
2 July every year
Duration: 1 day
Location
Public parks and squares across the island, Willemstad
Willemstad
Cost
Free
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