Fuikdag

Fuikdag is an annual event that takes place in Curaçao, an island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea. The event is a massive boat party that takes place on the first Sunday of the year, and it attracts thousands of people from all over the world. In 2023, Fuikdag took place on January 8, and it was an unforgettable experience for all those who attended. It sure was memorable me. Not just because I made lots of new friends on the party boat, but also because I dropped my phone in the bay just before the end of the party. I may or may not have been a bit tipsy. More about that further down this article.

Curaçao is a beautiful island that is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. The island is a popular tourist destination, and Fuikdag is one of the events that draws the most attention. The event is organized by local party organizers and is open to anyone who is interested in joining. During Fuikdag, participants gather on boats and sail to the secluded Fuik Bay, which is located on the island’s east coast. The bay is known for its calm waters, which makes it the perfect location for a boat party. Once they arrive at the bay, participants drop anchor and enjoy the festivities.

Fuikdag is not just about partying on boats. It is also an opportunity to experience the local culture and meet new people. The event attracts a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and nationalities, which makes it a unique cultural experience. Attendees can expect to enjoy local food, music, and drinks while they socialize and dance the day away. If you dare, you can enter the famous booty shaking contest. Whoever gets the biggest applause, wins. Most boats are equipped with turntables and speakers. The boats take turns letting their on board DJ play a set so it does not get too noisy.

Safety is always a top priority during Fuikdag, and organizers work closely with local authorities to ensure that the event is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. In recent years, there have been changes to the event’s regulations, including a limit on the number of boats allowed to participate. These changes have been put in place to ensure that the event is sustainable and can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. Local divers have a tradition of cleaning up the bay together and ‘diving for treasure’ to recover lost items to return to their owners.

And that is how I got my phone back the next day! Shortly after posting a message on a local Facebook page B Diving Curaçao & Watersports messaged me that they recovered it and I could come over to pick it up. They took great care attempting to dry the phone, but unfortunately it had been in the water for too long. Unfortunately, despite some signs of life, my phone died after all a few weeks later. It was amazing to experience how strong and dushi the local community in Curaçao really is. There was no chance to recover all the great pictures and videos I shot that day. Nevertheless, the memories of this awesome party will stick with me for the rest of my life. I might just visit Fuikdag again next year. You know, to take some new shots, I mean photos and videos, of course, to share on this blog. And if you cannot get enough of Fuikdag, there are party boats going to Fuik Bay almost every Sunday of the year. You can book a ticket with “Zonnig & Sappig”, for instance. It will allow you to enjoy a small scale Fuikdag year round.

In conclusion, Fuikdag 2023 in Curaçao was an unforgettable experience. The event provides an opportunity to celebrate the new year with like-minded people while enjoying the island’s natural beauty and vibrant music culture. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Fuikdag is an event that should not be missed.