The Seú Festival in Curaçao: Over 300 Years of Joy and Uniqueness

Introduction to the Seú Festival

If you’ve ever heard about the Seú Festival in Curaçao, you can’t truly grasp the excitement and energy of this event until you experience it firsthand. Seú (pronounced say-oo) is the island's annual harvest festival, celebrated on Easter Monday, attracting over 3,000 participants in traditional attire as they parade through the streets of Willemstad. This is one of the largest cultural festivals in the Caribbean, boasting a history that spans over 300 years.

The Seú Festival has its roots in the days of slavery when people sang songs, drummed, and danced to pray for the arrival of the rainy season and to express gratitude for the land's bounty. During harvest times, people took to the streets in joy, with the sounds of tambú drums echoing everywhere.

Festival Program

The festival kicks off at Tesoro Plaza on Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue at 11 AM, winding through the Otrobanda neighborhoods and concluding near Mangrove Beach in the Mundu Nobo residential area. The 2025 event featured 26 marching groups and over 3,000 participants, showcasing the festival's growth year after year.

Along the parade route, participating groups often share traditional Keshi Yena — the national dish of Curaçao, made from the shell of Edam or Gouda cheese filled with chicken or beef and delicious spices.

The Parade in Bandabou

About a week after the event in Willemstad, the festival moves west to the Bandabou region, starting from Hofi Abou and finishing at the Veld soccer field in Barber. The parade here includes over 40 groups, offering a variety of activities and fun for all ages. This is also where I marched with the He Chu Chu group — an amazing experience where everyone danced and sang together.

Unique Cuisine

During the festival, if you're looking for a place to enjoy local cuisine, visit Kultura Kòrsou at Hofi Mango. This natural park in Bandabou is just a 30-minute drive from Willemstad. The Kultura Kòrsou restaurant, run by the renowned chef Willy Balentina, is famous for its dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Additionally, there’s Hofi Cas Cora, which serves delicious meals sourced from its own garden, providing a delightful brunch experience.

Other Tourist Attractions

If you’re seeking other activities during your stay in Curaçao, don’t miss the Kura Hulanda Museum, which offers deep insights into the history of slavery. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday and provides guided tours in English. You can also visit Tugboat Beach, which offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers, obtaining a visa to Curaçao isn’t too challenging. You may need a Schengen visa since Curaçao falls under Dutch governance. Flights from Vietnam, specifically from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, can range from approximately $1,300 to $1,800, depending on the travel season.

Curaçao uses the Antillean Florin (NAF), with 1 NAF approximately equal to 12,000 VND, so be sure to prepare your finances for this trip. The time zone in Curaçao is GMT-4, which is 11 hours ahead of Vietnam. For the best experience, plan your visit during the Seú Festival or at other times of the year when the weather is most pleasant, from December to May.

In summary, the Seú Festival is not just a remarkable cultural event but also a fantastic opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and savor the unique cuisine of Curaçao. Be well-prepared to immerse yourself in this vibrant and exciting atmosphere.

Article referenced and edited from: Matador Network