About AGKK — Asosiashon di Gruponan di Karnaval di Kòrsou
The Asosiashon di Gruponan di Karnaval di Kòrsou (AGKK) is the official association representing all carnival groups of Curaçao. AGKK is dedicated to organizing, guiding, and supporting the groups that participate in the island’s colorful and beloved carnival parades.
As the central link within Curaçao’s carnival, AGKK ensures fair and transparent organization of the parades. This includes the annual lottery for the starting order, guidance for participating groups, sharing important guidelines, and maintaining close collaboration with government, security services, media, and sponsors.
Carnival is one of the largest and most meaningful cultural traditions of Curaçao. It connects communities, stimulates creativity, and brings thousands of people together. AGKK supports this process by representing the interests of the groups, ensuring the quality of the parades, and helping create a safe, organized, and festive experience for participants and spectators alike.
With a growing number of children’s, teen, and adult groups, AGKK plays an important role in promoting the continuity and development of carnival. Through modern communication channels, events, and partnerships, the organization remains committed to a carnival that becomes more professional, inclusive, and creative every year.
History of AGKK
The Asosiashon di Gruponan di Karnaval di Kòrsou (AGKK) was born from the growing need for structure, collaboration, and representation within Curaçao’s carnival. As carnival evolved from the 1960s and 70s into a large-scale celebration with an increasing number of participating groups, it became necessary to have an organization that could represent the interests of these groups.
In the early years, groups organized themselves independently, but the explosive growth of carnival groups, floats, costumes, and musical formations created new challenges: logistics, safety, parade order, regulations, and collaboration with government and organizers. To manage this effectively, carnival groups united under one umbrella organization — this became the foundation for AGKK.
Since then, AGKK has developed into the central point of contact for all participating carnival groups. The association plays a role in:
- Coordinating group participation
- Organizing the annual lottery for the starting order
- Communicating guidelines and safety measures
- Collaborating with authorities, sponsors, and media
Over the years, AGKK has contributed to the professionalization of Curaçao’s carnival. Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers, group leaders, and culture bearers, carnival has grown into an internationally recognized cultural event — colorful, creative, and deeply rooted in the identity of Curaçao.
Today, AGKK continues to work toward the growth and future of carnival, with special attention to youth and teen groups, innovation within the parades, and preserving traditions for future generations.
AGKK continues to build a carnival that connects, inspires, and proudly represents the culture of Curaçao.