WILLEMSTAD - Today, Friday, October 3, Curaçao holds its annual commemoration of Tula, leader of the 1795 slave revolt. This year’s ceremony carries special significance: it marks 230 years since Tula was executed, as well as the anniversaries of his recognition as Curaçao’s national hero in 2010 and his rehabilitation by the Dutch government in 2023, when he was officially honored as a hero of the entire Kingdom.

The commemoration, organized by the Asosiashon Promoshon Konsenshi Istóriko (APKI), began with a mourning march from Van Leeuwenhoekstraat in Otrobanda to Parke Lucha pa Libertat at Rif. The march was led by a drumband and flag bearers from the Scouting Antiano and followed by members of the public.

Ceremonial and cultural program

The evening program, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., combines ceremonial, cultural, and spiritual elements. After the march, Imam Adnan Rayeha led a moment of spiritual reflection, followed by the raising of the Curaçao flag. Brioncitos & Friends performed the national anthem, after which wreaths were laid in Tula’s honor.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Sithree van Heydoorn delivered a speech, alongside cultural researcher Drs. Richenel Ansano. Musical performances featured finalists from the 2023 Festival Bos di Libertat — Robert de Jesús, Surelma Curiel-Miguel (Lady Su), and Moises Ramos — as well as the dance group Hóben na Timon, poetry by Arte di Palabra, and music by Grupo Rítmiko den Dam.

The evening will conclude with a closing presentation and final musical performance around 9:30 p.m.

A broader perspective

According to APKI, the commemoration not only recalls Tula’s violent death but also underscores the long struggle for recognition and emancipation of the Curaçaoan people. “With vision, dedication, and determination, we honor the death and rehabilitation of our national hero Tula,” the organization stated.