Traditional Dance

Being very resourceful, the people of Bonaire have combined its different ethnic backgrounds to produce a truly unique dance style.  The rhythms are reminiscent of African drum beats yet contain modern influences making them seem fresh and new.   

The Simadan, one of Bonaire’s most widely known dances, is traditionally done in celebration of a successful maize collection and takes place in fall. Everyone in the village plays a part in bringing in the crops and celebrating with food and drink. The Bari is another Bonaire dance with harvest roots.  It is strongly influenced by the Waltz, the Mazurka, the Polka, and a local dance 'Baile di Sinta,' which is performed around a maypole.  These all originate in Europe.  The Rumba, Carioca, and Meringue came to Bonaire from northern Caribbean islands, while Latin America contributed the Danza and the Joropo.