KRALENDIJK - The Public Entity of Bonaire is organizing a public commemoration of the abolition of slavery on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The evening is dedicated to reflection, cultural expression, and honoring Bonairean ancestors.
The program starts at 5:30 PM and runs until 9:00 PM at the parking lot of the Executive Council in Kralendijk. The evening closes the Emancipation Month (Luna di Emansipashon).
The program includes speeches, moments of reflection, and an official commemoration ceremony with a minute of silence and a wreath-laying. Music, art, and words take center stage in reflecting on the meaning of freedom and the struggle of Bonairean ancestors for that freedom.
The Public Entity of Bonaire is organizing the commemoration together with local partner Mangazina di Rei. The Emancipation Month is made possible in part by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the Slavery Past Commemoration Committee.
