The new Kily Kily Band giving a grand rendition on stage.
ST. EUSTATIUS--On the evening of Tuesday, November 10, the 250th anniversary celebrations of the First Salute kicked off with the Statia Day week of activities. The air was filled with excitement as everyone geared up for the festivities. The theme of the night was “Roots and Rhythm”. The stage performances were a mixture of new and veteran performers, making a statement for what is expected to be a grand celebration over the next seven days.
Each performance drew louder and louder cheers from the very appreciative large crowd on hand to witness the evening, which promised to be a great success. The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Erieënne Brandao. Among the highlights were the new Kily Kily Band, the Aloei School for Performing Arts, the Carlos Lyonsia String Band and many others. The livestream of the evening can be viewed on the Statia Facebook page.
Some of the audience members at the event.
Commissioner of Culture Rechelline Leerdam also spoke to the crowd, giving a warm welcome to everyone for Statia Week 2026.
“To those who could not be here with us in person, but are following along through our livestream and social media, we welcome you too. Wherever you are in the world, we are happy to have you celebrating this special occasion with us.”
Commissioner Leerdam said that after months of planning, preparations, meetings, discussions, changes and a few headaches along the way, Statia Week 2026 is finally here and it feels good to see it all coming together.
“This year is no ordinary celebration. We are commemorating 250 years since the First Salute, a momentous occasion in the history of St. Eustatius. But this celebration is also about our people, our identity and the talent that exists within our community, both here at home and across the world. And I think you will agree that our programme this year reflects exactly that.”
The programme is very much about Statia and its people, bringing together local talent and Statians from across the Caribbean and different corners of the world.
“Our musicians, artistes, performers and creatives will have the opportunity to share their talent, creativity and culture with us. It is about investing in our own people, giving them a platform, creating opportunities and allowing their talents to shine. Because celebrating 250 years is also about recognising the people who are carrying the island’s culture, identity and the Statian spirit forward.”
“The theme, ‘Statia Spirit Perseveres – Celebrating 250 Years’, captures what this week is about. It speaks to their history, people, their culture and the resilience that has carried them through generations.”
“As we commemorate this milestone, we also want to open our doors to the world. We have a story to tell that goes far beyond the First Salute. A story of a remarkable island, its rich history, its culture, its people and its resilience. This week gives us an opportunity to share that story on a bigger platform and allow more people to discover what makes St. Eustatius the hidden gem of the Caribbean.”
She said that getting to this point came with its fair share of challenges, but they got here. The commissioner extended her sincere appreciation and thanks to the Executive Council, the Island Council, the Director of the Social Domain, the organising committee, regional programme managers, the steering committee, volunteers, sponsors and everyone who has worked behind the scenes for their commitment and contribution.
She encouraged everyone to come out, participate, support their artistes and performers, shake a tail feather, and enjoy themselves, with 28 food booths to enjoy.
“To our Statians, let us show our visitors what the Statian spirit is all about. Let them experience our warmth, our hospitality, our friendliness and that special sense of community that makes this island home. Let’s make everyone feel welcome. Let us make this a week filled with pride, laughter, music, wonderful memories, and, most importantly, togetherness.”
“Two hundred and fifty years is a remarkable milestone. Let us celebrate where we came from, appreciate who we are and continue building the Statia we want for generations to come.” On behalf of the Executive Council, she wished everyone a safe, enjoyable and memorable Statia Week 2026.
Statia Day activities continue today, Thursday, November 12, with Youth Night, where many of the island’s youths will showcase their varying talents.
