haarlemsdagbladMay 29, 2026, 18:00

Hamdija Draganovic survived multiple concentration camps before arriving at the Ripperda Barracks: ‘In the Netherlands you have to move on with your life, you have no choice’

Hamdija Draganovic, a survivor of several concentration camps, recounts his journey of fleeing Bosnia in the 1990s and rebuilding his life in the Netherlands. After initially staying at the Ripperdakazerne in Haarlem, he and his wife Nera eventually settled in the village of 's Gravenmoer.

Culture Lifestyle Haarlem Netherlands World

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Many students attend Pink Breakfast in Haarlem, but: "Purple Friday is under pressure"

On Purple Friday, students wore purple to support the LGBTI+ community, with a well-attended Pink Breakfast held at the Haarlem city hall. However, recent data shows a notable decrease in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people, and school organizers report that the day is facing increased pressure and scheduling difficulties.

Solve the Haarlem Murdoku with a Halloween twist: who committed murder in the church?

To celebrate Halloween, a fictional murder mystery puzzle called a Murdoku has been set in the St. Bavo Church in Haarlem. Players must use logical clues to place various horror film characters on a grid to identify that Pennywise is the culprit behind the death of Marion Crane.

Don't get angry! Here's what's happening during National Games Week in Haarlem

Haarlem is hosting the National Board Game Week from October 26 to November 1 to encourage social interaction through tabletop games. Residents of all skill levels are invited to participate in various activities at locations like the Teylers Museum and the youth center @ease.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Old biscuit factory in Haarlem becomes haunted hotel for Halloween

The former De Volharding factory in Haarlem-Noord is being transformed into the Haunted Transue Hotel from October 28 to 31. Architect Adam Transue designed the attraction using recycled materials to provide an immersive Halloween experience for the public.