RINCON – Dia di Rincon 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, April 30. The Stichting Erfgoed Cultuur Rincon (Rincon Heritage Culture Foundation) has expanded this year’s program to three days in order to spread the crowds and make the celebration safer. Below you will find the full schedule for Dia di Rincon 2026.
The cultural festival of Bonaire’s oldest village is themed "Rincon, Rooted in Family Unity" in 2026. With this theme, the organization underscores the importance of family as the foundation of the community.
Dia di Rincon 2026 Schedule
This year’s parades are spread across three days:
April 28 – School Parade The festivities kick off on Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 PM with a school parade, putting Rincon’s youth front and center.
April 29 – Folkloric Parade On Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 PM, a procession of traditionally dressed groups will wind through the village.
April 30 – Official Celebration The main day begins early with a holy mass, followed by an official ceremony. The remainder of the day will be centered around performances by bands and Creole groups on six stages. The Antaño parade, the Simadan, and the Unie parade also take place on April 30.
The Parade: Highlight of the Day
The parade is traditionally the centerpiece of Dia di Rincon and always draws large crowds, including Bonaire residents, tourists, and visitors from the other islands. During the procession, the local population shines in colorful, traditional costumes. Dancing is everywhere, set to the infectious rhythm of simadan music.
The Simadan is more than just dance: it marks the end of the harvest season and is a deeply rooted part of Bonairean culture, with its own musical style that is inextricably linked to Rincon.
Food and Drink in Rincon
Throughout the village, dozens of stalls serving local food and drinks are set up for Dia di Rincon. Typical treats include pastechi (stuffed pastries), goat stew, and locally made juices. For drinks, visitors can choose from ponche crema, a local rum-based beverage, or tamarind juice. It is a day on which food and drink play an important role in the shared experience.
Cultural Month of April
The lead-up to Dia di Rincon begins in early April. TCB (Tourism Corporation Bonaire) has declared April a cultural month under the motto On the Road to Dia di Rincon. Throughout the entire month, international passengers at the airport are welcomed with a traditional Bonairean reception. Every Saturday features live krioyo music performances with dancers in traditional dress.
"Dia di Rincon brings our culture to life in a way that is authentic and deeply rooted in our community," says Elesiër Angel, director of TCB. "With this cultural month, we create meaningful moments for both locals and visitors."
What Is Dia di Rincon?
Dia di Rincon is the annual cultural holiday of Rincon, the oldest settlement on Bonaire. The village was founded by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and is nestled in a valley among the hills in the northern part of the island.
Dia di Rincon revolves around traditional music and dance, colorful traditional dress, and local dishes such as pastechi, goat stew, and ponche crema. The end of the harvest season, the Simadan, is also celebrated on this day with its accompanying music and dance.
Dia di Rincon is an official public holiday on Bonaire. Government offices and many shops are closed on April 30. The following day, May 1 (Labor Day), is likewise an official public holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dia di Rincon 2026
When is Dia di Rincon 2026? Dia di Rincon 2026 is celebrated on Thursday, April 30. Additional activities take place on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29.
What is the schedule for Dia di Rincon 2026? April 28: school parade. April 29: folkloric parade. April 30: holy mass, official ceremony, performances on six stages, Antaño parade, Simadan, and Unie parade.
Where is Dia di Rincon celebrated? Dia di Rincon is celebrated in Rincon, a village in the north of Bonaire.
Is Dia di Rincon an official public holiday? Yes, Dia di Rincon is an official public holiday on Bonaire. Government offices and many businesses are closed on April 30.
What is the theme of Dia di Rincon 2026? The theme is "Rincon, Rooted in Family Unity".
