Adventist Youth Shine in Curaçao’s Annual Flag Day Parade

Adventurers, Pathfinders, and Master Guides march with energy and community spirit across Willemstad.

August 14, 2025 | Willemstad, Curaçao | Milvinho Vrutaal and IAD News Staff

More than 1,200 children and youth from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Willemstad, Curaçao, took to the streets July 1–2, 2025, bringing music, vibrant uniforms, and energy to the nation’s annual Flag Day parade.

“Flag Day is a moment where we stand together and celebrate unity,” said Wigly Isidora, youth ministries director of the Curaçao Conference.

The Adventist delegation joined the 41st edition of the Flag Day celebration at Plasa Brion, marching alongside twelve other scout groups, youth groups, and judicial groups. On July 1, Adventurers participated in the flag-lowering ceremony, while Master Guides and Pathfinders marched through downtown Willemstad on July 2, culminating in the flag-raising ceremony at Plaza Brion, which also featured cultural presentations and recognition of neighborhood humanitarians.

Among the attendees were Curaçao’s Governor, the Prime Minister, several government ministers, parliamentarians, and delegations from nearby islands, including Sint Maarten and Bonaire.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sports Sithree van Heydoorn remarked, “Flag Day is a symbolic moment where we stand still and give honor to our flag.”

The Adventist Church has participated in Flag Day for over 35 years, using the event as both a testimony and outreach opportunity, church leaders said. “This is one of the days when we receive the most registrations for Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs,” shared Isidora.

This year, the church’s youth contingent included 145 Adventurers, 115 Pathfinders, and 60 Master Guides, forming part of the more than 1,200 youth and adults representing all twelve scout groups on the island.

According to Isidora, the event not only showcases unity among the island’s youth but also strengthens the sense of community and shared purpose across all participating clubs. “Flag Day unites different scouting groups around Curaçao, allowing us to understand each other’s ideologies,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Pastor Ramirez Janzen, president of the Curaçao Conference, said, “It’s inspiring to see that together we become one group, one family to celebrate Flag Day.”