haarlemsdagbladJun 7, 2026, 04:01

Suspended priest Pierre Valkering wants two high-ranking Vatican officials to testify in Haarlem: 'I want to know exactly what has been alleged about me'

Suspended Amsterdam priest Pierre Valkering is seeking to have two high-ranking Vatican officials testify at the Haarlem district court. He aims to uncover what Bishop Jan Hendriks reported about him to the Vatican in order to clear his name through a formal legal procedure.

Culture Amsterdam Haarlem Netherlands World

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

Exhibition reveals how the former owners of Huis Willet-Holthuysen were deeply involved in the slave trade

An exhibition at Museum Huis Willet-Holthuysen in Amsterdam explores how the residence's 18th-century owners profited from the colonial slave trade. The display details how the city's canal district served as a major center for the plantation economy.

Russian DJ dropped from ADE after hate message to Ukrainian

Russian DJ Komarov has been dropped from the Amsterdam Dance Event after a past hateful message directed at a Ukrainian colleague surfaced. While his removal has been confirmed, critics continue to call for further screening of other Russian artists who may have ties to the Kremlin or disputed territories.

Willet-Holthuysen museum exhibition exposes financing of Surinamese plantations

A new exhibition at Huis Willet-Holthuysen in Amsterdam explores the historical connections between the canal house and the financing of colonial plantations in Suriname. The project reveals how former residents profited from the slave trade and highlights recently discovered records containing the names of 125 enslaved people.

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.

Looking for a friendly chat? Step into the yellow square at the station on Wednesday

To promote social connection, the Week of the Chat initiative is launching in Haarlem on October 14, featuring a designated yellow zone at the train station where people can meet for casual conversations. Inspired by research from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the project aims to help individuals feel happier and less lonely by encouraging social interaction and boosting confidence.