Three-quarters of Bonairians are satisfied with cultural opportunities

Half of library visitors come to borrow books

Around half of people who visited the library in 2025 went there to borrow books: 54 percent of residents on Bonaire and 46 percent of residents on St Eustatius. On St Eustatius, the number of people visiting the library for an event or lecture was almost the same as for those borrowing books. On Bonaire, 28 percent go to the library to attend an event or lecture. Other reasons for visiting the library include cultural activities and to meet people.

Traditional or Caribbean music styles combined with dance are the most popular

Of all shows and performances on the islands, those featuring traditional or Caribbean music and dance were the most popular. Among residents of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba went to this type of performance last year, at 35 percent, 28 percent and 14 percent respectively. 12 percent of residents attended a theatre performance or musical, and between 3 and 18 percent attended a dance performance, either on the island or elsewhere.

People who did not attend a concert or other performance, and those who said they were not likely to do so, said that the main reason for this was something they did not like doing. The range of cultural activities on offer or ticket prices were largely irrelevant to this decision.

Games are popular

70 percent of Bonaire’s residents have engaged in a hobby in the past twelve months. On St Eustatius this share was 57 percent and on Saba it was 48 percent. Of the hobbies mentioned, mobile or console games were the most popular, particularly on Bonaire and Saba. Other hobbies such as drawing, composing music, dancing and singing were mentioned less frequently.

Saba residents least satisfied with cultural opportunities on the island