ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTATIUS--St. Eustatius is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the historic First Salute of November 16, 1776, with seven nights of cultural activities, musical performances and community celebrations honoring one of the most significant events in the island's history.
Under the theme “The Statia Spirit Perseveres: Saluting 250 Years,” the Statia Day 2026 festivities will take place from Tuesday, November 10, through Monday, November 16, culminating on the exact anniversary of the historic event that established St. Eustatius as an important part of American Revolutionary War history.
The celebrations will feature local and regional entertainers, traditional music, theatrical presentations, gospel performances, youth activities and a fireworks display, bringing together residents and visitors for a week of historical reflection, cultural pride and Caribbean entertainment.
The Historic First Salute
The First Salute took place on November 16, 1776, when the American naval vesselAndrew Doriaentered the harbor of St. Eustatius and fired a ceremonial cannon salute. Acting on the orders of Governor Johannes de Graaff, Fort Oranje responded with an 11-gun salute, widely regarded as the first international acknowledgment of the flag of the newly independent United States.
The exchange occurred just months after the American Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. Although the gesture did not constitute formal diplomatic recognition of American independence by the Dutch Republic, it carried considerable symbolic importance and strengthened the island's historical connection to the United States.
At the time, St. Eustatius was a major Caribbean trading center, known as the Golden Rock because of its commercial importance. The island played a significant role in regional and international commerce, including trade connected to the American colonies.
Today, the First Salute remains one of the defining events in Statia's history and is commemorated annually on November 16, known as Statia Day. The 2026 celebrations mark 250 years since that historic cannon salute, rather than the founding of St. Eustatius, whose history extends much further back.
Seven Nights of Celebrations
The anniversary program begins on Tuesday, November 10, with Roots and Rhythm, an evening dedicated to Statia's history, heritage and traditions. The opening event will feature storytelling, traditional music, performances by the Statia String Band and a special theatrical presentation titledThis Is Statia, by the Aloë Performing School of Arts.
On Wednesday, November 11, Gospel Night will bring together local gospel performers and choirs for an evening of praise and worship. The program will also feature award-winning Guyanese gospel artist Samuel Medas and his band.
Thursday, November 12, is Youth Night, with the spotlight shifting to Statia's younger generation. The evening will showcase local talent through dancing, modeling, music and cultural performances, providing young people with an opportunity to participate in the historic anniversary celebrations.
The festivities will continue on Friday, November 13, with the Diamond Waterfall Party, featuring live entertainment from Turbulence Band, Rebels Band and Aruba's NBO Band, along with additional performers.
On Saturday, November 14, Culture Night will celebrate the island's traditions and wider Caribbean heritage through calypso, steel pan and cultural performances. The lineup includes the Statia Roots Showcase, Sherma Rouse, Strawl and Band, Ziggy Ricardo and other entertainers.
Sunday, November 15, will feature All White on the Rock, an evening combining musical entertainment with a light show. Featured performers include Kerston Herrera, Valentino, D Vibes Band, Private in Concert and Face in Concert.
The celebrations will reach their climax on Monday, November 16, Statia Day, exactly 250 years after the First Salute.
The anniversary will provide an opportunity to honor the island's historical significance, recognize its cultural heritage and celebrate the resilience and identity of the Statian people.
The evening's entertainment will feature Energy Band, Justice Band, Barbados' Crossfire Band and Jam Boys Band, with additional performances and a fireworks display marking the conclusion of the festivities.
The anniversary program reflects the importance of the First Salute to St. Eustatius while celebrating the traditions, artistic talent and community spirit that continue to shape the island.
The participation of regional performers from Guyana, Aruba and Barbados also highlights Statia's enduring cultural connections with the wider Caribbean.
From November 10 through November 15, festivities will take place along Fort Oranje Straat, beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening. The November 16 anniversary will feature its own special Statia Day celebrations.
Residents, members of the Statian diaspora and visitors from neighboring islands are encouraged to participate in the historic commemoration.
