Competition Rules
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The Afrika Vibes Creative Head-Tie Competition celebrates the beauty, creativity, and cultural significance of African and Afro-Caribbean head dressing traditions.
Across Africa and throughout the Caribbean, head-tying has long been an expression of identity, elegance, creativity, and heritage. This competition seeks not only to showcase beautiful head-ties, but also to encourage learning, creativity, teamwork, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
The competition forms part of Afrika Vibes, one of the signature cultural events of Experience Africa Week 2026.
COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition will be conducted in teams of two participants.
Each team consists of:
- Participant A
- Participant B
During the competition, each participant will act both as:
- a stylist
- and a model
ROUND ONE – TEAM CREATION ROUND
Phase 1
Participant A creates a head-tie on Participant B within the allotted time.
Phase 2
Roles are reversed:
- Participant B becomes the stylist
- Participant A becomes the model
Participant B then creates a head-tie on Participant A within the allotted time.
At the end of the round, both team members will have completed head-tie presentations.
TEAM EVALUATION
A panel of judges will evaluate the teams based on:
- Creativity
- Neatness and finishing
- Colour coordination
- Cultural elegance
- Technique
- Presentation
- Team consistency
Following this stage, the top-performing teams will advance to the final round.
FINAL ROUND – INDIVIDUAL EVALUATION
In the final round, contestants will be evaluated individually.
Judges will consider:
- Overall appearance
- Style presentation
- Creativity
- Elegance
- Confidence and poise
TITLES & AWARDS
The competition will crown:
Afrika Vibes Curaçao Head-Tie Queen 2026
Additional recognitions:
- First Runner-Up
- Second Runner-Up
Additional awards or recognitions may also be presented.
HEAD-TIES & MATERIALS
Participants may:
- bring their own head-tie fabrics and accessories,
OR - use selected materials provided through Asha African Assortments.
Participants are encouraged to creatively showcase African and Afro-Caribbean styles and inspirations.
ELIGIBILITY
- Participation is open to women aged 18 years and above.
- Participants must register before the stated deadline.
- Each participant may belong to only one team.
TIME LIMIT
Each styling session will be conducted within a specified time limit which will be announced before the competition begins.
Participants are encouraged to practice beforehand.
PRESENTATION & CONDUCT
Participants are expected to:
- demonstrate respect toward fellow contestants
- maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere
- uphold the cultural spirit of the event
The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any participant for inappropriate conduct.
MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY
By participating in the competition, contestants agree that photographs and video recordings taken during the event may be used for:
- promotional purposes
- media coverage
- future editions of the competition
- cultural documentation
A GROWING TRADITION
The Afrika Vibes Creative Head-Tie Competition is envisioned as an annual cultural tradition celebrating African and Afro-Caribbean creativity, heritage, and identity.
Future editions aim to welcome participation from across Curaçao and the wider Caribbean region.
REGISTRATION
To participate, please complete the registration form below.
Spaces may be limited.
We invite all participants to come ready to:
- express creativity,
- celebrate culture,
- learn from one another,
- and make history together.
OUR PRINCIPLE
Culture is preserved when it is celebrated, practiced, and shared.
We look forward to welcoming you to the first edition of the Afrika Vibes Creative Head-Tie Competition 2026.
