The National Anthem of Curaçao: Himno di Kòrsou – Pride in Word and Music

Every year on July 2, Curaçao celebrates its national anthem and flag during the holiday Dia di Himno y Bandera — the Day of the Anthem and the Flag.

The Himno di Kòrsou, officially adopted in 1978, is much more than a national symbol. It is a powerful musical tribute to the island’s history, pride, and resilience.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• The origin and meaning of Curaçao’s national anthem
• The full official lyrics in Papiamentu
• The official English translation
• When and how the anthem is performed
• Why it is such an important part of Curaçao’s national identity

History of the National Anthem

Although Himno di Kòrsou was officially recognized as Curaçao’s national anthem in 1978, its origins date back to the late 19th century.

In 1898, Frater Radulphus Hermus wrote a poem in honor of the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina. The original version was sung to the melody of a Tyrolean folk tune. In the 1930s, Frater Candidus composed a new melody that remains in use today.

When Curaçao sought to express its cultural identity more clearly, the anthem was revised. In 1978, an updated text was introduced with contributions from Curaçaoan writers including Guillermo Rosario, Mae Henriquez, Enrique Muller, and Betty Doran.

The result was a modernized anthem — one that represents national pride, unity, and love for the island.

When the Anthem Is Sung

The national anthem of Curaçao is performed during official ceremonies such as:

• Flag-raising events
• Swearing-in ceremonies of public officials
• National holidays such as July 2 (Day of the Anthem and the Flag)
• Schools, sports events, and other formal gatherings

According to the official protocol, usually only the first and last verses are sung during informal or daily occasions. At formal events, all verses may be performed.

The anthem is always sung in Papiamentu, Curaçao’s native language.

Official Text of the National Anthem of Curaçao

In Papiamentu

Lanta nos bos ban kanta
grandesa di Kòrsou;
Kòrsou, isla chikitu,
baranka den laman!

Kòrsou, nos ta stima bo
ariba tur nashon.
Bo gloria nos ta kanta
di henter nos kurason.

Nos pueblo tin su lucha,
ma semper nos tin fe
di logra den tur tempu
viktoria ku trabou!

Ban duna di nos parti
p'e isla prosperá.
Laga nos uni forsa
p'asina triumfá.

Nos patria nos ta demonstrá
onor i lealdat,
meskos na e bandera
union di nos nashon.

Nos bida lo ta poko
pa duna nos pais,
luchando uní pa libertat,
amor i komprenshon.

I ora nos ta leu fo’i kas
nos tur ta rekordá
Kòrsou, su solo i playanan,
orguyo di nos tur.

Laga nos gloria Kreador
tur tempu i sin fin,
k’El a hasi nos digno
di ta yu di Kòrsou!

Official English Translation

Let's raise our voice and sing
the grandeur of Curaçao;
Curaçao, small island,
a boulder in the sea!

Curaçao, we love you
above all nations.
Your glory we sing
with all our hearts.

Our people have their struggle
but we always have our faith
to accomplish always
victory through labour!

Let us do our part
for the island's prosperity.
Let us unite forces
so we can triumph.

(To) Our fatherland we demonstrate
honour and loyalty,
as to the flag
the union of our nation.

Our lives would be little
to give for our country,
fighting united for liberty,
love and understanding.

And when we are far from home
we all recall
Curaçao, its sun and beaches
the pride of us all.

Let us praise our Creator
always and forever,
for He has made us worthy
to be Curaçaoan!

Theme and Meaning

The Himno di Kòrsou embodies strong national symbolism and timeless values deeply rooted in Curaçao’s culture and identity:

• Pride in the island, despite its small size
• Love for the land and its people
• Faith in perseverance and victory through labor
• Unity and loyalty as key national virtues
• Gratitude to God for blessings and freedom
• Nostalgia for Curaçao among those living abroad

Together, these themes make the anthem an essential part of the island’s national consciousness — a melody that connects Curaçaoans at home and across the world.

The Day of the Anthem and the Flag

Every year on July 2, Curaçao celebrates the Day of the Anthem and the Flag (Dia di Himno y Bandera).

This national holiday honors the country’s most important symbols and reflects the pride and unity of its people. Ceremonies, parades, and flag-raising events take place across the island, with the national anthem at the heart of the celebrations.

Well-known locations such as Plaza Brion in Otrobanda, Barber, and several neighborhoods host community gatherings where people of all ages take part.

Frequently Asked Questions about Curaçao’s National Anthem

What is the official national anthem of Curaçao?

The official anthem of Curaçao is “Himno di Kòrsou”. It was formally adopted on July 26, 1978, and is sung in Papiamentu.

In what language is the anthem sung?

The anthem is performed only in Papiamentu, the native language of Curaçao. Official regulations prohibit it from being sung in any other language.

When is the anthem performed?

It is sung at official ceremonies, flag-raisings, national holidays, and state functions. On July 2 — the Day of the Anthem and the Flag — it plays a central ceremonial role.

How many verses does the anthem have?

Himno di Kòrsou has seven verses, though typically only the first and last are sung at daily or informal events.

What does the anthem represent?

The anthem expresses Curaçao’s national pride, unity, resilience, and faith. It celebrates the people’s love for their land, their freedom, and their belief in hard work and divine guidance.

Who wrote the anthem?

The original text was written by Frater Radulphus Hermus in 1898. The official 1978 version was revised by a committee including Guillermo Rosario, Mae Henriquez, Enrique Muller, and Betty Doran.

When is the Day of the Anthem and the Flag celebrated?

The “Dia di Himno y Bandera” is celebrated annually on July 2, with island-wide ceremonies, parades, and flag-raising events.

Conclusion

The national anthem of Curaçao is far more than a ceremonial song — it is a living expression of the island’s history, strength, and hope.

It unites Curaçaoans in moments of celebration and reflection, reminding every yu di Kòrsou — every child of Curaçao — of their roots, wherever they may be in the world.

To truly understand Curaçao is to feel its anthem: in every line lies the soul of an island that stands proud, free, and full of promise.

International Fine Living does its best to provide accurate and helpful information to those buying or selling property in Curaçao. However, our time is limited, and we may not always be able to publish the latest updates. We therefore recommend verifying all provided information with the appropriate authority or company. No rights can be derived from the accuracy of the information provided.Attention fellow real estate agents on Curaçao: All our texts are protected by copyright. It is not permitted to copy any part of this content. However, feel free to link to our blog if you’d like to share it.