Keti Koti, the day on which the abolition of slavery is celebrated and commemorated, is honored and experienced in the neighborhood and in various cultural institutions in De Plantage.
Keti Koti, a Surinamese concept, means ‘Broken Chains’. It symbolizes the abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863 in the then colonies of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles and thus the end of a dark period in Dutch history. With the annual Keti Koti Festival on July 1, we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future, and celebrate freedom, equality and connection. Expanding knowledge and deepening insight must lead to a joining of forces for a shared future.
BIGI SPIKRI Parade
Keti Koti starts with a fun and colorful parade in traditional clothing to commemorate & celebrate the abolition of slavery. Route: Waterlooplein – Oosterpark from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Commemoration Oosterpark
On July 1, the official National Commemoration of the History of Dutch Slavery will take place in the Oosterpark, which will also be broadcast live. The ceremony is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Slavery History Monument.
Museumplein
Afterwards, Museumplein is the location for the Keti Koti festival, with a wide program of films, exhibitions, music, presentations, discussions, cozy stalls with goodies and a DJ until the late hours. You can find the program here.
Keti Koti at H’ART Museum
On Sunday, June 30, the museum is organizing a special music festival together with Waterkant Amsterdam. The line-up, with different artists and music styles, DJs and performances, represents a large number of countries and continents where slavery and the slave trade took place. On Monday, July 1, H’ART Museum and Amsterdam Museum are organizing a program with a storytelling performance (1 p.m., free admission) in the courtyard with actor and theater maker Anton Bies who takes on the role of the Curaçao resistance hero Tula. From 12 noon there are also (free) heri heri meals available, made by KIP REPUBLIC.
The Resistance Museum
On Monday, July 1, the museum cordially invites local residents to commemorate Keti Koti together. This special day is a moment of reflection, commemoration and celebration of the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the former Netherlands Antilles. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past and open the conversation about the lasting consequences of the past of slavery. The commemoration can be viewed live on a large screen, there is an opportunity to chat and have coffee and tea.
Outsider Art Gallery
The current exhibition “Express your Freedom – what does freedom mean to you?” Express Your Freedom can be visited in the gallery on Keti Koti and you can create your own freedom work and add it to the collection. There is also a program with speakers, workshops, spoken word, music and food and drinks with meaning.
National Opera & Ballet
NOB organizes a polyphonic program that tells stories about injustice and suffering, but also about pride and resistance through the imaginative power of song, dance, music and the spoken word.