Culture News in English

XR protest at Tata Steel Orchestra performance in the Phil

Eight Extinction Rebellion protesters demonstrated outside the Phil concert hall on Sunday afternoon. The protest occurred as hundreds of visitors arrived for the Tata Steel Orchestra's anniversary co...

Over 80 tips: free things to see and do in Amsterdam

Jetten to meet with Jewish community Monday after explosions

Prime Minister Rob Jetten will meet with representatives of the Jewish community on Monday following recent explosions at a school in Amsterdam and a synagogue in Rotterdam. The meeting, which will ta...

Details of the Waddinxveen messiah cult proved shocking even for Israel van Dorsten

What starts as bullying ends in a chain of violence due to ‘Sorry boss’ videos. ‘This is how the victim becomes the perpetrator in a subsequent incident’

Police arrested five teenagers last weekend on suspicion of serious assault and attempted manslaughter after they shared footage of the violence online. Experts warn that these incidents are part of a...

150 years of the telephone: ‘My father would let it ring for a long time, so people thought we lived in a big house’

This article marks the 150th anniversary of the telephone and explores its transformation from a rare status symbol to an essential communication tool. It features personal reflections on phone habits...

Lekker is the all-purpose word of the Dutch language. ‘It’s just lekker’

Kosovar Edon Rizvanolli described the word 'lekker' as the 'salt and pepper' of the Dutch language, noting its extreme versatility. His comments were featured in the Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool, hi...

Haarlem's Ripperda Barracks: from horse stables to luxury apartments

The historic Ripperda Kazerne in Haarlem has been transformed from a 19th-century cavalry barracks into a luxury apartment complex. Throughout its history, the site served as a WWII prison holding res...

New award for best casting is a first at this year's Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards will introduce a new category for Best Casting this Sunday, marking the first time in the ceremony's history that casting directors will receive official recognition. This mile...

Swimming lessons for one euro, a party in the A’DAM Tower, and more news of the week

This week in Amsterdam featured several local updates, including swimming lessons available for one euro and a celebration at the A’DAM Tower. The city hosted various activities ranging from food ev...

Haarlem's Ann Vader paved the way for F1 Academy drivers: 'There's nothing special about it. Many more women could do it'

Ann Vader-Vlaanderen from Haarlem was the first Dutch woman to obtain a racing license in the 1950s, paving the way for future female drivers. As the F1 Academy begins its new season in China, her leg...

French politicians hug dogs and cats to attract votes: criticism of ‘animalwashing’ grows

French politicians are using pets in their election campaigns to attract voters, a practice facing growing criticism as 'animal washing.' The strategy is especially prominent in Paris, a city with a h...

We aren't even getting the blame ourselves

Wouter Klootwijk writes a weekly column that focuses on food and its various related subjects. The content provides a regular exploration of culinary topics and their broader implications.

Simon's masterpiece nears completion: 'Haarlem 2017 - 2026' painting is a feast of recognition

Painter Simon Balyon is nearing the completion of his massive 5-by-1.25-meter masterpiece titled 'Haarlem 2017 - 2026' for the Corso Collection. The artwork, which depicts the city of Haarlem, has bee...

CDA leader celebrates iftar in Osdorp: "It doesn't get more CDA than this"

Rogier Havelaar, the CDA lead candidate for Amsterdam, attended an iftar at a community center in Osdorp to highlight the party's commitment to social cohesion and local neighborhood investment. Despi...

Lieutenant's century-old diary a surprise at Defence Line of Amsterdam anniversary symposium

The Stelling van Amsterdam is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site and 145 years since its defensive route was officially established. A symposium marking these milestones ...

Explosion at Jewish school hits Jewish community hard: "Very frightening"

An explosion at a Jewish school in Amsterdam's Buitenveldert neighborhood has caused significant alarm and fear within the local Jewish community. Residents and officials have noted a rise in antisemi...

Lucky Fonz III: 'Bit by bit my hairline is receding and my hair is thinning, making me insecure'

Dutch artist Lucky Fonz III discussed his personal insecurities regarding hair loss and his journey with mental health. Following a severe depression, he found that conscious eating and regular exerci...

Cindy Heinen from Uitgeest presents book My sister gave me new life

Cindy Heinen-Van den Oever presented her new book, 'Mijn zus gaf mij nieuw leven', at Yogastudio Kokos on Saturday. The author, who is from Uitgeest, shared her personal story about how her sister gav...

Author Manon Duintjer's father went in search of himself and lost his daughter as a result

Haarlem-based author Manon Duintjer has released her second novel, 'We zijn verdwaald,' which is inspired by her personal experience of her father leaving his family to pursue a spiritual path. The bo...

What is it like living in a student house in IJmuiden? ‘My big outing is going to the Vomar’

Students at Nova College Scheepvaart in IJmuiden live in housing provided by the school, though they report a quiet lifestyle with few local activities. The experience differs from traditional student...

Raymond Thiry suddenly dives into the celebrity world: ‘You don’t walk down the street with your bare ass, do you?’

Police Chief: police on alert after attacks on Jewish institutions

Police across the Netherlands are on high alert following attacks on a synagogue in Rotterdam and a Jewish school in Amsterdam. Police Chief Janny Knol stated that these incidents have a profound impa...

Former Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell dies at 64

Phil Campbell, the former guitarist of the rock band Motörhead, has passed away at the age of 64. His death was announced by his current band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, following a long sta...

Good news for the brown cafe: the living room is now intangible heritage. 'We know and help each other'

Dutch brown cafes, such as De Centrumbar in Zaandam, have been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage for their role as social community hubs. This recognition comes as these traditiona...

German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas dies at 96

The renowned German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas has passed away at the age of 96. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the modern era.

Aunt AI's gossip

Yanaika Zomer, a journalist and the city poet of Den Helder, is set to release her debut novel in May. She contributes a bi-weekly column, with her latest entry discussing topics related to artificial...

Eric Vloeimans and Will Holshouser don't think in music genres: ‘Kindred spirits’ on trumpet and accordion

Trumpeter Eric Vloeimans and New York accordionist Will Holshouser describe themselves as kindred spirits who prioritize musical connection over specific genres. Holshouser highlights their ability to...

Heemstede farmer sounds alarm over historic meadow near Ipenrode: This landscape is in danger of disappearing

Farmer Antoon Milatz from the Dinkelhoeve has launched a petition and displayed banners to raise awareness about the potential disappearance of a historic meadow near the Ipenrode estate. He warns tha...

Tata Steel Orchestra celebrates 85th anniversary with Jamai Loman at PHIL: 'First time I've conducted since Maestro'

The Tata Steel Orchestra is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a special concert this Sunday at the Phil in Haarlem. The performance features singer Jamai Loman, who will also conduct the orchestra...