Story Telling
Bou'i Pal'i Tamarein
Courage to dream big!
Thursday 28 May 2026
From 18:30 to 20:00
La Armada, Otrobanda
Bèlvèderestraat 43-45
Admission: FREE
An Evening of Stories, Courage, Memory and Imagination
This special evening brings together the storytelling traditions of Curaçao and Africa for a session dedicated to one powerful theme: Courage to Dream Big as we celebrates the spirit to dream, to remember, to overcome, and to imagine a better future.
This event is hosted jointly with the Slavery Memorial Committee, an independent body committed to ensuring a dignified commemoration of the history of slavery throughout the Kingdom. The Committee works to:
- Connect communities
- Create space for diverse voices
- Promote awareness and healing
- Encourage a shared future
Within this scope, the Committee initiated a monthly storytelling session that meets under the theme of: Bou’i Pal’i Tamarein (or Under the Tamarind Tree).
This informal community storytelling tradition initiative reflects the atmosphere of village storytelling — intimate, reflective, warm, and deeply human. It mirrors the African traditional way of passing on oral history to the younger generation.
Curaçao’s Moment of Courage
This year, this island achieved something extraordinary. The Blue Wave qualified for the FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so.
Across the island, this achievement has inspired a spirit of belief, determination, and possibility.
With just three weeks to go before the team’s opening match, this storytelling evening will honour the same spirit of courage to dream big, and of an incredible ambition of a small island nation.
Programme
Part 1 – Stories from Curaçao
Stories rooted in the island’s journey, culture, and resilience.
Themes may include:
- Courage in everyday life
- Heritage and identity
- Community strength
- The spirit behind Curaçao’s Blue Wave amazing feat
Part 2 – Stories from Africa
Stories from the African continent reflecting courage across generations.
Themes may include:
- Wisdom from ancestral traditions
- Resistance and liberation
- Hope and transformation
- Courage to dream beyond limitations
Language of the evening
This session will be bilingual – in English and Papiamentu. Story-tellers and participants will be able to make their contributions in either of the two languages even though to reach those who otherwise might be left out, the use of English would be encouraged where possible.
The Spirit of the Evening
This is not a seminar or a formal lecture.
It is an evening of:
- Listening
- Reflection
- Connection
- Shared humanity
An opportunity to sit together, hear powerful stories, and experience the living tradition of oral storytelling.
Why You Should be There
Story-Telling Evening is more than a cultural event.
It is:
- A bridge between Africa and Curaçao
- A celebration of resilience
- A space for memory and imagination
- A reminder that stories connect us
Come and Join Us!
Whether you are passionate about culture, history, storytelling, Africa, Curaçao, or simply meaningful human connection — this evening is for you.
All are welcome.
Check out the full week
This event is hosted by the Slavery Memorial Committee
