Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime milestone! Statia Day 2026 marks the monumental 250th anniversary of the "First Salute" to the United States with high-level international delegations, massive military parades, and grand cultural festivals.
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary Milestone: Welcome to Statia Day
Every year on November 16th, St. Eustatius stands tall with immense pride to celebrate Statia Day, the island’s official national holiday. More than just a day off, this deeply significant occasion marks a monumental chapter in global diplomacy: the day in 1776 when Fort Oranje fired an 11-gun salute to the American brig Andrew Doria, representing the very first official international recognition of the newly independent United States.
This year marks a truly historic milestone as the island celebrates the 250th Anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the First Salute. The 2026 celebrations are scaling up to an unprecedented level, transforming the Golden Rock into an international stage. High-level government delegations from the United States and the Netherlands will join together right here on our shores to honor two and a half centuries of enduring partnership, courage, and international friendship.
The 250th anniversary festivities begin at dawn at the historic Fort Oranje, expanding out into a vibrant, island-wide cultural explosion that fills the streets of Oranjestad. This year’s landmark events offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for residents and global travelers alike
No Statia Day celebration is complete without indulging in the island's rich culinary heritage. Local food booths open up early to serve legendary traditional dishes—from sweet potato pudding and crispy johnnycakes to savory local stews and fresh seafood—crafted from recipes passed down through generations.
As the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea, the 250th-anniversary celebration culminates in a breathtaking, massive display of fireworks over the bay, leading into a high-energy evening of live soca, string bands, and dancing under the stars. Statia Day 2026 is a magnificent, heartfelt tribute to a small island with a giant place in world history—and there has never been a more incredible year to experience it.