Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2018 | Page 152

Simadan Festival
The Simadan Festival is an important part of Bonaire’s tradition. At the end of a successful
harvest, food, drink, music and traditional dancing marks this event. Everyone in the village
plays a part in the harvest and they all come together to celebrate. There is a special dance
associated with Simadan and special instruments, made from farm equipment, are used to
play the music. If you are on Bonaire between February and early May, enquire about the
festival and go experience one of them. It is indeed an authentic, colourful, festive cultural
event, deeply rooted in the island’s history.