Friday, December 03, 2010

Join the Kids of Jong Bonaire at their Kunuku Open House on Saturday December 4, 2010

Everyone is invited to visit the kunuku of the kids of Jong Bonaire this Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about kunuku life and what the kids are doing. The kids will describe their greenhouse, fruit tree nursery and the fruits and vegetables they have planted that are growing in the field. Visitors can sample delicious fruit shakes and fruit salads, and also buy plants to take home. 

The project is called “Youth on the Kunuku” and it relies on the experience of older people, kunuku owners and professionals in the agricultural industry, providing a chance for the kids to learn about the nature, agriculture and culture of Bonaire. In addition to the kunuku work experience, the kids have visited Aletta’s Goat Farm, Wien’s Chicken Farm, Green Label, Elijah Fish Farm and the Butterfly Farm. The project is in conjunction with the KibraHacha Foundation working with Jong Bonaire and SGB, and is funded by AMFO and Samenwerkende fondsen, with sponsorship by Green Label, Kooyman and Lovers Ice Cream.

Children will also enjoy attending the open house. One of the unique plants showcased is the peanut plant, providing an opportunity to witness the growth cycle of the peanut plant. First the flowers grow on the branches of the plant and then the flower stalks bend and start growing into the soil, where the peanuts will develop.

To reach the kunuku, take the Kaminda Lagun until you see a yellow sign on your right side, which says Mata di Fruta, which is just before LVV. Turn left there and follow the signs. (Source: KibraHacha Foundation)

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Enjoy the First Celebration of Dia di Nort’i Salina on Kingdom Day, December 15, 2010

Many visitors to Bonaire are familiar with Dia di Rincon (Rincon Day) which takes place each year at the end of April.  However, now, another historically important neighborhood, Nort’i Salina (North Salina), has announced their first celebration, which will take place on Kingdom Day, December 15, 2010 (a legal holiday).

The day’s events will take place at the Sentro di Bario (neighborhood center) in North Salina.  According to the organizers, the Nawati Foundation, the residents of North Salina wish to maintain their customs and traditions.  The program for the day will include some speeches, informal readings, dances, and other activities which celebrate the typical aspects and culture of this historic neighborhood.  There will be presentations of the Maskarada (Masquerade), dance groups, Mariachi groups, and other musical groups such as Grupo Eso, Krioyo Kids, Grupo Nuevo Cachimbo, Grupo Barí, and Glenn i su Gèng. 

The event will begin at 10:00 in the morning and run all day until 11:00 PM.  Food and beverages will be available, as well as displays by local merchants.  All are invited to come and celebrate the unique Bonairean culture of historic North Salina.  (Source:  Fundashon Nawati)

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Classical Music Board Announces the Second Annual Holiday Concert

Mark the calendar for Saturday December 18, 2010, when local musicians will perform a holiday concert featuring classical European and traditional Antillean music. The concert includes several artists, providing the opportunity to sample various types of music.

Felix Faassen will be the guest keyboard player. He is an organist with the Rare Groove Orchestra and has performed in France and Mexico. He and his father Hans Odin Faassen, who recently gave a piano recital on Bonaire, will perform a special rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The popular local band Gebby / Su Streanan will play traditional Christmas music in the classical style along with Antillean dances. Gebby Saleh, the leader of the group, will play piano and be joined by the other band members playing a variety of instruments.

Grep Linkels, a talented local eight year old piano player will perform a piece by Fritz Spindler for four hands, along with his teacher Han Faassen.

Bonaire’s Silver Bullet Steel Band started 50 years ago in the village of Tera Kora and has performed in many countries including the US, Venezuela, Colombia and Chile. They will perform selections of local and Caribbean instrumental melodies.

Tutti Frutti is another very popular group, known as the pearls from Rincon. They will be playing a medley of Bonairean rhythmical songs and have prepared a special program for this concert.

If you would like to hear more, there will be an after-party with Gebby / Su Streanan and members of Tutti Frutti. It promises to be an entertaining evening.

The concert will be held at 8:00pm in the Cacique Hall at Plaza Resort. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Addo’s Books and Toys, Flamingo Bookstore and the reception desk at Plaza Resort. Tickets are FL 30.00 ($16.75) and only FL 10.00 ($5.59) for children accompanied by parents. (Source: Classical Music Board Bonaire)