Giovanna Bautista
Rotterdam 5
Hulanda
30 september,
Rianny Flores
Kaya pirita 16
Curaçao
Dear Giovanna,
I am writing this letter to inform you about how we celebrate the 2nd of July
in Curaçao. On the 2nd of July, we celebrate Flag Day, known as “Dia di
Bandera” in Curaçao. Our national flag was adopted in the year 1984, and
ever since that day, every year on the 2nd of July is known as our Flag Day.
On the 1st of July, we take down the flag so it can be proudly raised again on
the 2nd of July.
On this day, we begin our celebrations with a warm welcome that includes
songs performed by live bands. We also have different ceremonies. These
ceremonies are usually held in Plaza Brion (Brion Plein). During the
ceremonies, we sing our national anthem, and we also have a parade usually
organized by the scouts, where someone carries the flag. At the end of the
parade, the flag is raised, and afterward, we have speeches and other
festivities. Most places, such as banks, are closed that day or are only open
for half the day.
There are stands where people sell food and sweets typical of Curaçao, and
there are also activities for every age, from kids to adults. That is how we
usually celebrate Flag Day here in Curaçao. However, since that day also
happens to be my grandma's birthday, we celebrate it a bit differently in my
family. We usually just stay at home and celebrate with her. We have our own
little tradition: she makes her fried rice, which I really love and can only eat
once a year because that is the only day she makes it. She also loves to
make her cake, usually a pruimen cake, and we buy an additional cake for
her.
All in all, July 2nd is such an eventful day for us in Curaçao. It’s not just about
the celebrations and parades but it’s also a special time for my family. I really
treasure the moments I spend with my grandma, especially when she makes
her amazing fried rice and bakes her delicious cake for her birthday. I hope
this gives you a better insight of how meaningful this day is for us, both as a
community and in my home.
Yours sincerely,
Rianny Flores
