Celebrating Curaçao's African Roots Through Culture and Community
On a small island in the Caribbean, a vibrant cultural movement is taking shape. Najhilah van Dinter, a passionate entrepreneur, has opened Landish, a unique space where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Curaçao. But this isn't just about preserving tradition – it's about empowerment and connection to one's roots.A Cultural Oasis
Landish is more than just a museum or a tourist attraction; it's an immersive experience that allows visitors to connect with the island's African heritage. Van Dinter's vision is to create a space where people can learn about and appreciate Curaçao's culture, from its history to its traditions. 'Our main goal is for everybody to get a cultural experience and that you learn something new about our culture and heritage,' she explains.
Healing Through Ancestral Practices
Marèrly Sambo, a community herbalist, is another key figure in Curaçao's cultural landscape. She grounds her work in ancestral practices passed down through generations, using traditional remedies to promote healing and wellness. 'I went all the way back to my core to find out what I needed to heal myself,' she says. 'It was going back also to my ancestors.'
African Influence Shaping Spiritual Healing
The island's African influence is not limited to cultural presentation; it also shapes spiritual healing. Sambo believes that healing is collective, something shared throughout the people of Curaçao. She prefers to speak their native language, Papiamentu, during her sessions, as a way of honoring her ancestors and connecting with her community.
Empowerment Through Tradition
For van Dinter and Sambo, preserving tradition is a form of empowerment. By celebrating Curaçao's African roots, they are giving voice to the island's rich cultural heritage and promoting a sense of pride and connection among its people. 'We're not in Africa anymore, but Africa lives very much inside of us,' says Damaris Sambo of the Curaçao Tourist Board.
Curaçao is a small island with a big story to tell. Through Landish and other initiatives, the island's cultural landscape is being shaped by passionate entrepreneurs and community leaders who are committed to preserving tradition and promoting connection to one's roots. As visitors from around the world come to experience this vibrant culture, they are not just seeing a museum or a tourist attraction – they are witnessing a living, breathing community that is proud of its heritage and eager to share it with the world.
