KRALENDIJK - The Public Entity Bonaire is organizing a festival week from September 1-6 around Dia di Boneiru 2025. This year’s national holiday is themed "We are Bonaire" and offers a program filled with music, art, and community activities.
The festival week begins Monday, September 1 with a Sunset Jam Session at SKAL. Tuesday, September 2 features a Sip & Paint evening, followed by the film night "Nos Boneiru" on Wednesday, September 3.
Thursday, September 4, Bonaire organizes "Anochi bou di sombra di luna kla," a poetry evening under the full moon. Friday, September 5 is "Komunidat den Akshon," a volunteer day when residents roll up their sleeves together for the island.
Friday afternoon, September 5, the ceremonial protocol takes place that officially opens the festivities. Saturday, September 6, the actual Dia di Boneiru, centers around the grand cultural celebration with dance, music, food, and gatherings.
On Thursday, August 28, the Public Entity will hold a press conference explaining the complete program of festivities.
According to the organizers, the theme "We are Bonaire" calls for reflection on what connects and makes the community special. "It reminds us that together we form the strength of our island in our culture, our traditions, our nature, and above all in our people," states the press release.
What is Dia di Boneiru?
Dia di Boneiru is also called Bonaire Day in English. This event is organized every September 6. Dia di Boneiru is also known as Flag Day. This is clearly visible in the lead-up to the event. Many cars drive around the island with a Bonairean flag. Additionally, all roundabouts are decorated with flags this year. Dia di Boneiru is an official holiday that commemorates the ‘discovery’ of the island. This occurred in 1499 when Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda and Italian Amerigo Vespucci first arrived on the island.
