WILLEMSTAD – The thirty finalists for this year’s Tumba Festival have been announced following the third and final preliminary round. All major bands will be fully represented in the grand finale, scheduled for Friday night at the Festival Center in Brievengat.
ERA, Highway Band, Icons, One Flavaz, Quality Sound, Queens and Tempo Music have each qualified with their full lineup of tumba entries, once again dominating the final stage of the competition. Their strong presence is expected to make for a long and intense finale, a hallmark of the Tumba Festival, which traditionally runs late into the night.
In addition to the large formations, Menta and Daiquiri Band have also secured spots in the final. Both bands advanced with one tumba each, completing the list of thirty finalists.
The jury announced the selected tumba songs immediately after the conclusion of the final preliminary round on Wednesday night. With the lineup now confirmed, preparations are underway for what is widely regarded as the highlight of the Tumba season, an event that draws thousands of music lovers to Brievengat each year.
On Friday evening, the thirty tumba entries will compete for the coveted title. Known for its length, intensity and musical diversity, the final culminates in the early morning hours with the announcement of the winning tumba for 2026.
