WILLEMSTAD - Beloved cultural ensemble Grupo Serenada will mark its 50th anniversary with two special jubilee concerts on November 8 and 9 at the PWFC Auditorium in Willemstad. The group will be joined by acclaimed guest artists Romeo Heije, Dibo D, and pianist Randal Corsen for what promises to be a celebration of Curaçao’s rich musical tradition.

The story of Grupo Serenada dates back to the early 1970s, when a group of friends from Mundo Nobo formed a rock band called Twilight Zone. In 1974, the band joined the youth choir of the Coromoto Church under the name Twilight Zone & Co. Following a concert that combined singing, music, dance, and spoken word, the group adopted a new name — Grupo Serenada — and a lasting mission: to preserve and promote traditional Curaçaoan music and songs.

Half a Century of Musical Legacy

Over the past five decades, Grupo Serenada has performed across the region and beyond, gracing stages in Aruba, Bonaire, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Cuba, and Trinidad. With the support of sponsors and friends, the group has released fourteen recordings across vinyl, cassette, CD, and DVD formats.

Since 2020, the ensemble has also embraced digital media, producing five music videos, all created by one of its members. Their most recent video, “Karnaval di Promé Ora” (Carnival from the First Hour), released in 2024, is a lively medley of classic Curaçaoan carnival tumbas.

National Recognition

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Curaçao government dedicated Culture Week 2025 (September 28–October 5) to Grupo Serenada. The event’s theme, “Nos Herensia Musikal” (Our Musical Heritage), highlights the group’s enduring role in safeguarding the island’s artistic identity.

As Grupo Serenada prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee, its music continues to bridge generations — a vibrant reminder of Curaçao’s rhythm, resilience, and cultural pride.