Curaçao gave its national football team a hero’s welcome Wednesday afternoon with a large victory motorcade from Hato airport to Waaigat in Willemstad.
WILLEMSTAD--Curaçao gave its national football team a hero’s welcome Wednesday afternoon with a large victory motorcade and festive programme, following their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government-organised motorcade began around 4:30pm after their arrival at Hato airport and made its way through multiple neighbourhoods before reaching the final destination on Waaigat, where hundreds of supporters gathered.
The celebration “caravan” route was via Franklin D. Rooseveltweg, Palu Blanku, Schottegatweg Noord, Biesheuvel, Schottegatweg Oost to Saliña, Kaya C. Winkel, Kaminda Saliña, Berg Altena, Abraham de Veerstraat and Abraham Mendez Chumaceiro Boulevard,
Festivities at Waaigat started with a pre-show by DJ Argenis Huerta, followed by a live performance from Grupo Oriri.
The official programme included an opening blessing by Pastor Pedro Manuel Duarte, singing of Curaçao’s national anthem, performance of “Goodness of God” by Aemy “NiaFeliz” and speeches from Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sports OWCS Sithree van Heydoorn, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (General Affairs), officials of “Federashon di Futbol Korsou” (FFK) and technical staff.
After that Amos Balentin performed “We Are Curaçao” and the national team was officially honoured. To close out the evening there was a performance by Jeon with the hit “Blue Wave” song and ICONS.
Meanwhile, Minister of VVRP and Finance Charles Cooper announced that all civil servants would receive a half day off to join the celebrations. He also issued an appeal to the private sector, urging employers to give workers the opportunity to participate in what he described as “a moment of immense national pride.”
Under the special arrangement government offices closed at 11:00am and schools at noon. Government said this decision reflected the unprecedented significance of Curaçao’s achievement and the desire to allow the entire community to take part in related festivities.
