February 26, 2025 – A Day of Reflection, Resistance, and Victory
On February 26, 1804, after weeks of fierce resistance, the people of Curaçao achieved a defining victory in their fight for freedom. From the second week of January 1804, enslaved and free people alike rose against oppression, battling colonial forces with unbreakable determination. Their struggle culminated on February 26, marking a pivotal moment in Curaçao’s history—a triumph we now honor as Dia di Viktoria.In 2025, we gather to commemorate this legacy, educating and inspiring Curaçao’s future leaders, historians, and activists. Through storytelling, historical exploration, and critical dialogue, this year’s Dia di Viktoria ensures that the heroic fight of 1804 remains alive in the hearts and minds of our people.
Morning Program: 09:30 AM – Manuel Piar School
We begin the day with a program dedicated to Curaçao’s students—our future professionals and leaders. At Manuel Piar School, a special exhibition on Dia di Viktoria will highlight the revolutionary contributions of Manuel Piar and his mother, Maria Isabel Gómez. Their intertwined stories serve as powerful reminders of the Afro-Caribbean fight for justice and freedom.
Three renowned storytellers will bring history to life:
•Marlon Regales
•Ashley Mauricia
•Tico Vos
Through oral narratives and dramatic storytelling, they will reignite the voices of our past, ensuring their struggles and triumphs continue to inspire generations.
Afternoon Program: 12:15 PM – Exclusive Field Trip for International School of Curaçao Students
In the afternoon, students from the International School of Curaçao will embark on an educational field trip, exploring key historical sites integral to the 1804 victory. This exclusive experience aims to deepen their connection to Curaçao’s revolutionary past and its relevance to present-day struggles for justice and equality.
Guided by Tico Vos, Marlon Regales, and Ashley Mauricia, the itinerary includes:
1.Groot Kwartier (Emmastad): Once a plantation established in 1694, it became a residential area in the early 20th century, reflecting Curaçao’s industrial evolution.
2.Kanga and Dein: Districts that offer insights into the island’s urban development and community resilience.
3.Roodeweg and Breedestraat (Otrobanda): Historically bustling centers of commerce and social interaction, showcasing colonial architecture and economic activities that shaped Curaçao’s growth.
4.Rifwaterstraat: A significant area contributing to the island’s maritime history and trade.
5.Fort Waakzaamheid: A strategic military fortification offering insights into Curaçao’s defensive history.
6.Plasa Piar and Salon Piar (Punda): Cultural hubs named in honor of General Manuel Piar, serving as spaces for reflection on broader struggles for freedom and the enduring impact of such leaders on regional identity.
This immersive journey will provide students with a tangible connection to the events leading up to the revolt in January 1804, the tactics employed by Curaçao’s freedom fighters, and the significance of the victory on February 26, 1804.
Evening Program: 6:00 PM – Plaza Piar
The celebration culminates at Plaza Piar, where the community will gather for an Open Mic Session featuring discussions, reflections, and calls to action on:
•Honoring our heroes – Efforts to preserve their legacy.
•Plaza Piar’s transformation – Updates on the remodeling and restoration of the 1963 Manuel Piar statue.
•Historical insights – Research on Plaza Piar’s role in Curaçao’s revolutionary past.
•Understanding Dia di Viktoria – The significance of this victory and its lasting impact on our society.
Dia di Viktoria: A Celebration of Resistance, Triumph, and Legacy
Dia di Viktoria is more than history—it is a movement. It is a time to remember the resilience of our ancestors, empower future generations, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, freedom, and equality.
Tico Vos is a professional photographer, producer, and tourism specialist. He has been documenting the History, Culture, and News of Curaçao. This site is a documentation of the history of Manuel Carlos Piar.
