Culture News in English
Latest culture headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Husam Alhasan’s family finally celebrates Ramadan together in Bussum after years of uncertainty
After three years of separation, Husam Alhasan has been reunited with his wife and two daughters who recently arrived in the Netherlands from Syria. The family is now celebrating Ramadan together in B...
Who needs sleep? Haarlem celebrates the night for a week
The fourth edition of the Week of the Haarlem Night will take place from March 2 to March 8, 2026. During this period, the city of Haarlem will transform into a playground for night owls, celebrating ...
A coffee with Ozan Turkdogan (Anti-Racist Muslim Party): Activism is being a pain in the ass to others
Ozan Turkdogan, leader of the Anti-Racist Muslim Party, outlined his party's goals for the upcoming municipal elections in Amsterdam, including increasing the visibility of Islamic history and severin...
Was Verspronck’s ‘Girl in Blue’ named Catharina? Expert investigates further after reader tip
Johannes Verspronck’s famous 1641 painting, ‘Girl in Blue,’ will soon be exhibited at the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem alongside portraits of her parents. Despite extensive research by expert Fr...
Dear Old Friend II: Shivering on the Afsluitdijk
Lottie Hellingman, a multi-talented artist and single mother, reflects on her life and career while living in Amsterdam. The piece, titled 'Lieve oude vriend II,' explores her personal history and exp...
These teachers have thousands of followers on social media: ‘My classroom door is always open, I see social media as an extension of that’
Four teachers discuss their motivations for sharing their daily classroom experiences on social media platforms, aiming to provide transparency and highlight the positive aspects of education. While m...
'Reading teacher' Sanne started her Instagram account to inspire other teachers: 'I also get inspired myself'
Sanne Dorrepaal, a 28-year-old teacher from Haarlem, uses her Instagram account to share her expertise in youth literature and inspire fellow educators. At the Beatrixschool, she has implemented a dai...
Teacher Pleun shares her songs on TikTok: ‘My biggest goal is to inspire other teachers and show high school students how beautiful teaching is’
Pleun Couwenhoven, a 26-year-old teacher at a Montessori school in Haarlem, uses her TikTok account to share music and insights into her life as a kindergarten teacher. With over 62,000 followers, her...
Didem discusses social media with children, often because their parents don't want them on it: 'I completely agree'
Didem Aykilic, a 31-year-old teacher at Het Spectrum in Hoorn, gained a significant social media presence after her students created a TikTok account for her. Despite her initial reservations about so...
Singer and songwriter Neil Sedaka, the man behind countless hits from the 60s and 70s, dies
Model builder Harald has a room full of Vietnam War planes and tanks and now wants to get youth excited about his hobby: More fun than PlayStation
Harald Verweij has been a dedicated model builder for fifty years, a hobby that began when his father gave him a World War II airplane kit. He now manages a collection of Vietnam War-era models and ai...
Jan Verlinde from Zeeland becomes new pastor at Protestant Congregation Hillegom
Jan Verlinde, a 45-year-old from Axel in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, will become the new pastor of the Maartenskerk in Hillegom on June 21. He is set to lead the Protestant Congregation in the Dutch town.
Inflatable dream factory: Airworks in Weesp breathes life into giant fabric stage sets
Based in Weesp, the company Airworks creates unique inflatable stage decorations for world-renowned musicians and major international events. Their specialized inflatables have been used by high-profi...
Mystery on Bickerseiland: what is that giant doing there?
A mysterious wooden giant statue holding a spear and shield has been spotted on Bickerseiland in Amsterdam. The figure appears to be guarding the neighborhood, prompting questions about its origin and...
Toos & Henk - February 28
Cartoonist Paul Kusters provides his daily perspective on current events through the comic strip Toos & Henk, which appears from Monday to Saturday. This specific entry is dated February 28.
Visual rhyme
The Iron Bars on Bickerseiland: the history of the impressive iron trade
Deception celebrated in TV shows like The Mole
Paramount acquires Warner Bros in $110 billion deal
Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to an acquisition by Paramount Skydance in a deal valued at 110 billion dollars. This major merger combines two of the largest entertainment and media conglomerates i...
Hans Cornelissen: ‘It’s nice that I am and stay slim’
Actor and theater producer Hans Cornelissen discusses his lifestyle and mental well-being in an interview with Mezza magazine. He explains that he avoids intense exercise and identifies as being highl...
Men don't come off well in fascinating chess documentary Queen of Chess
A firework ladder is the fiery highlight of this exhibition on ladders
Under pressure, Kees Smit sees solutions we don't, with the vision of Magic Johnson
Journalist Henk Spaan has released his weekly football ratings, featuring Alexander Sørloth, Kees Smit, and Vinícius Júnior. The analysis highlights Kees Smit's exceptional vision and ability to fi...
Belgian coaching diplomas proved worthless for ‘new Abe Lenstra’: after career at Alkmaar’54, ZFC, Telstar and in Belgium, Joop de Jong (1947-2026) coached North Holland village clubs
Joop de Jong, a former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Alkmaar ’54 and Telstar, has passed away at the age of 78. Once compared to the legendary Abe Lenstra, he transitioned fro...
Concerns over looming Warner takeover: CNN falls into hands of Trump ally
Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to be acquired by Paramount Skydance, pending approval from U.S. regulators. The deal would transfer ownership of CNN to a billionaire with close ties to Donald Trum...
Time travel impossible? In Leiden it is. At the wildly popular Museum Escape, you come face to face with your ancestor
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden hosts a popular 'Museum Escape' experience where participants solve mysteries after closing hours. Visitors interact with historical figures from various eras, s...
Hans (71) stops delving into Castricum’s past after online hate: ‘I’m done for now’
Seventy-one-year-old Hans van der Himst has decided to stop researching and sharing the history of Castricum on social media due to persistent online hate speech. Although he misses the hobby and his ...
Velsen residents say Telstar fans should pay KNVB fireworks fine: ‘Start a crowdfunding campaign’
Residents of Velsen are calling for Telstar supporters to cover a €7,500 fine imposed by the KNVB for setting off fireworks in the stadium. The display was a tribute to a deceased fan, but locals su...
Singer PinkPantheress to perform at AFAS Live on June 1
British singer-songwriter and producer PinkPantheress will perform a concert at AFAS Live in Amsterdam on June 1. The performance is part of her upcoming tour titled 'An Evening With... PinkPantheress...
