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Easter Monday is when Curaçao comes alive with the infectious energy of the Seú Harvest Parade Festival. This vibrant celebration sees over 3,000 participants decked out in colourful traditional costumes, taking to the streets in a joyful procession that celebrates the island’s agricultural bounty.
History of the Seú Harvest Parade Festival
The Seú Harvest Festival has deep roots in Curaçao’s history. Beginning in the 18th century, during the time of chattel slavery, it marked the successful gathering of crops, a time for thanksgiving and a respite from the hardships of life. With time the emphasis changed to one of community spirit.
Today, the Seú Parade has evolved into a national celebration that continues to honour those traditions while fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.
What to Expect at the Seú Harvest Parade Festival
Get ready to be swept away by the infectious energy of the Seú Parade. The air thrums with the rhythm of traditional Seú music, played on instruments like the tambu drum and kachu horn. Elaborately clad dancers weave through the streets, their vibrant costumes a dazzling spectacle. The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter, singing and pure joy.
It is a family-orientated event. Choose your spot on the parade route and bring a hat and sun block. You can also take snacks and drinks or buy them from the street vendors. There will probably be pre- Seú Parade events, so check with the tourism office for possibilities.
Where Does it Take Place?
The heart of the Seú Parade beats in Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad. The route typically starts at Tesoro Plaza in Santa Maria (Franklin D Rooseveltweg) and winds its way through the streets of Otrobanda, culminating near Mangrove Beach at the Aqualectra building.
What to Eat and Drink
While there’s no specific festival food, Curaçao offers a delightful array of culinary temptations. Sample fresh seafood stews, indulge in pastechis (flaky pastries filled with meat or cheese), or tantalize your taste buds with funchi or tutu (polenta-like dishes).
Don’t forget to quench your thirst with a glass of Blue Curaçao liqueur, (made from a local citrus fruit that gives it an orange-like flavour), a refreshing island speciality.
Things to Do in Curaçao
Beyond the Seú Parade, Curaçao boasts a kaleidoscope of activities. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad with its colourful colonial architecture. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the vibrant coral reefs. Relax on pristine beaches, or delve into Curaçao’s rich history at museums, forts and plantations.
Travel Curaçao
Getting to Curaçao is a breeze! For flights from London airports, change in Amsterdam with KLM or in Bogota with Avianca. From Miami, there are direct flights with Iberia and American Airlines. Direct flights from New York can be taken with jetBlue, whilst from Los Angeles, it is probably best to change in Miami.
Once you land, hop on a taxi or pre-arrange an airport transfer to reach Willemstad and immerse yourself in the Seú Parade festivities.
Curaçao Time
Curaçao time is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind GMT/UTC.
More Information on the Seú Harvest Parade Festival
For more travel Curaçao information go to the Curaçao Tourist Board website: https://www.curacao.com/en/. You can also fond information on the the Seú Harvest Parade Festival there.
