Bonaire News
Let’s Celebrate Our Culture And Traditions During Dia Di Rincon
April 21, 2023
Let’s Celebrate Our Culture And Traditions During Dia Di Rincon
Dia di Rincon is a festive celebration that takes place on the beautiful island of Bonaire every year. It is a colorful and exciting event that brings together locals and visitors alike to honor the culture and traditions of Rincon, the island’s oldest town.
This year we are celebrating the 34th anniversary. The celebration takes place on April 30th, and it is a public holiday on the island. The streets of Rincon are closed to traffic, and the town comes alive with music, dance, and vibrant decorations. The town’s residents and visitors dress up in colorful traditional costumes, and the atmosphere is full of excitement and energy.
Let’s go back in time
The origin of Dia di Rincon dates back to the 1980s, when Francisco ‘Broertje’ Janga became a politician. Broertje Janga had always been passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of his hometown, Rincon. He saw an opportunity to put Rincon on the map by promoting its immaterial culture more prominently. He wanted to organize a festival that would celebrate the town’s traditions and heritage. And in 1988, the first Dia di Rincon was celebrated. The festival was held on April 30th, which was already a public holiday known as Queen’s Day. It was followed by Labor Day on May 1st, giving people time to rest after the festivities.Thanks to Janga’s vision and hard work, Rincon’s historical traditions and cultural expressions have been given the prominent place they deserve.
Experience the eventful day
The day begins with a morning gathering at the local church, where the town’s residents and visitors come together to give thanks for their blessings. After that, the streets are filled with parades, music, and dance performances. The traditional dance of Bonaire, the Simadan, is a popular highlight of the celebration. The Simadan is a joyful dance that involves participants wearing traditional costumes.
Food is also an important part of Dia di Rincon, with vendors selling local delicacies such as goat stew, pastechis (meat-filled pastries), and pan bati (a type of bread). Visitors can also enjoy traditional drinks such as tamarind juice and ponche crema (a rum-based drink). And for those with a sweet tooth, you will find enough vendors selling ‘Boka Dushi’, our local sweets.
Dia di Rincon is a unique and memorable experience that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bonaire. It is a time to celebrate the island’s history and traditions, and to come together as a community to enjoy good food, music, and dance. #ItsInOurNature
If you are planning a trip to Bonaire, be sure to schedule your visit during Dia di Rincon to experience this vibrant and colorful celebration for yourself. For more information on this event visit www.diadirincon.org.
