What began as a simple party among friends has grown into something much bigger—a vibrant movement that breathes MORE life into the streets of Otrobanda. From an event that started in the backyard of an Otrobanda home, Kaya Kaya evolved into a powerful force for change, bringing together art, music, and community spirit to transform our beloved neighborhood. But to truly understand why we do what we do, let’s take a closer look at our motivations and aspirations.
Our Vision for Otrobanda
We want Otrobanda to be a neighborhood where every corner is alive with color and culture. Imagine streets adorned with vibrant murals that tell stories of our past, and a community that thrives socially, economically, and culturally. Our goal is for Otrobanda to be a place where both residents and visitors feel proud and inspired.
Why We Focus on Community Needs
Understanding what Otrobanda needs is key to making our vision a reality. We take time to listen and learn through observations and meetings with local residents and businesses.
Our Wishes for the Neighborhood
Here’s what we’re working towards:
- Community Spirit: We believe in bringing people together. By hosting events and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, we strengthen our neighborhood’s bonds.
- Cultural Vibrancy:We want to showcase Otrobanda’s unique culture through art, music, and local traditions. These activities help us preserve our heritage and bring people together.
- Safety and Beauty: Keeping Otrobanda clean, safe, and attractive is important. Improving our streets and public spaces makes them more enjoyable for everyone who lives here or visits.
- Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities is key to our neighborhood’s success. When businesses thrive, so does our community.
The Broader Impact on Curaçao
While our primary focus is on Otrobanda, the ripple effects of our efforts extend across the entire island of Curaçao. A vibrant and thriving Otrobanda contributes to the overall well-being of Curaçao, attracting tourists, promoting cultural exchange, and boosting the local economy.
Our annual festival, starting with an Art Week from August 19th to 25th and with the main event on August 24th, 2024, exemplifies this broader impact. Additionally, we are introducing the ‘Skol Urbano’. The Skol Urbano is from August 18th to 24th, where we will be offering different workshops that have to do with art and music, entertainment, poetry, dance and more!
The festival not only showcases Otrobanda’s arts and culture but also invites the entire island and people living abroad to come together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Stay connected with us through our social media channels and our website, where we will share updates, stories, and exciting developments. Your support and participation are crucial to our success.
Let’s continue making Otrobanda even more amazing!
Ku amor,
The Kaya Kaya Team