On May 30th, 2025, a group of young Arubans traveled to Bonaire to represent the island at the regional spoken word competition – Arte di Palabra ABC (AdP), which also celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The event brings together young talent from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao each year, fostering an atmosphere of respect, creativity, and a shared love for the spoken word.
The Aruban delegation consisted of 11 passionate poets and storytellers: Caylee Fraser, Alia Hernandez, Samantha Romero Farias, Genevan Maduro, Loubens Occean, Marie-Jayne Vriend, Phillip-Johnson Martinus, G-Xlaine Vrolijk, Eliziën Antersyn, and Eden Antersyn. Special guest Isdell Hyacinme, who represented Aruba in the local rap category, also performed as an invited artist.
During the competition night, the Arte di Palabra Curaçao Committee honored two outstanding contributors to the Papiamento language with the Tapushi Literario award. This annual recognition celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Papiamento.
This year, Elsa Krosendijk from Aruba and Melvin Shaba Meyers from Bonaire received the Tapushi Literario. In addition, Curaçaoan recipients Ilse Schoobaar-Anthony, Dennis Rafael, and Ilse Risseeuw-Winkel were honored during the Arte di Palabra Curaçao celebration.
As part of the anniversary festivities on May 30th, Bonaire hosted a warm reception for the visiting delegations, featuring a toast, dinner, and live music by JC & Friends. The event highlighted cultural pride and unity among the islands.
The main competition took place on June 1st at Social Café. Aruba participated in several categories, with two participants finishing in the top three:
- Alia Hernandez earned second place in Category B — Original Poetry, Classes 1–2.
- G-Xlaine Vrolijk earned second place in Category E — Original Storytelling, Classes 1–2.
The overall winner of the 2025 Arte di Palabra ABC edition was Dazhina Mansveld from Bonaire, with her work “E misterio di Kòni.”
The Department of Culture Aruba expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity to represent Aruba at this event that highlights the voices of young people. Congratulations to all Aruban participants and to the young artists throughout the region for their courage and dedication in honoring our shared language and culture.
For Aruba, this experience serves as an inspiration to continue encouraging youth to embrace the art of the spoken word with passion and humility.
