FESTIVAL CANTICA DI CAYA 2026 CELEBRATES LOCAL TALENT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE AT CENTRO DI BARIO BRAZIL

BRAZIL, ARUBA — Cultural enthusiasm wat highlight last Saturday night, July 25, 2026, as Centro di Bario Brazil hosted the adult category of the annual Festival Cantica di Caya 2026. Organized by Fundacion Chico Harms as part of the Temporada di Dia di Brazil, the festival showcased local singers, composers, and musical groups performing original compositions across traditional Aruban rhythms.

The event delivered impressive performances in three main categories: Tambu, Tipico Tradicional, and Banda Folklorico.

Official Festival Results

Category: Tambu

• 1st Place: Roosje Growell — “Mi ta los awe”
  • Band: Grupo di Tambu Zona Cultura
  • Compositor: Richard Quant
  • Arranger: Grupo di Tambu Zona Cultura
• 2nd Place: Angelo Koolman — “Bo ta bal un pleito”
  • Band: Grupo di Tambu Luis Maduro
  • Compositor: Aldrin Maduro
  • Arranger: Grupo di Tambu Luis Maduro
• 3rd Place: Soraida Yarzagaray — “Si mi ta cu Dios ken ta contra mi”
  • Band: Grupo di Tambu Luis Maduro
  • Compositor: Grupo di Tambu Luis Maduro
  • Arranger: Grupo di Tambu Luis Maduro

Category: Tipico Tradicional

• 1st Place:Jurainy Luckert — “Ban dilanti”
  • Band: Rincon Boyz
  • Compositors: Jurainy Luckert & Chendell Beaumont
  • Arrangers: Chendell Beaumont & Rincon Boyz
• 2nd Place:Jetzenia Martines — “Much’i Brazil”
  • Band: Zjeitu
  • Compositor: Dwight Leoneta
  • Arranger: Dwight Leoneta
• 3rd Place:Rodrick ‘Rocco’ Franken — “Mi’n por lubide”
  • Band: Zjeitu
  • Compositor: Chendell Beaumont
  • Arrangers: Chendell Beaumont & Dwight Leoneta

Category: Banda Folklorico

• 1st Place: Jason Kelly — “Ta caya a jama”
  • Band: Awari
  • Compositors: Jason Kelly & Denny Loefstop
  • Arranger: Denny Loefstop
• 2nd Place: Chantal Quant — “Aki”
  • Band: Awari
  • Compositors: Denny Loefstop & Ronwayne Kock
  • Arranger: Denny Loefstop
• 3rd Place: Robert Maduro Jr — “Vuelo Brazil 2026”
  • Band: Alma Folklorico
  • Compositor: Robert Maduro
  • Arrangers: Elton Trimon & Jaderick Croes

The winning compositions will serve as the musical backdrop for the upcoming Dia di Brazil parade celebrations, carrying forward Aruba’s rich musical traditions and community spirit.