Lifestyle News in English

School basketball tournament in IJmuiden-Oost sports hall with free throw competition

The 42nd annual school basketball tournament will take place on Sunday, March 1, at the IJmuiden-Oost sports hall. The event also includes a free throw competition for participants.

Working? No way, they're enjoying the sun: First spring warmth draws Haarlem residents outdoors

The first spring warmth of the season brought residents of Haarlem outdoors to enjoy a sunny Wednesday. Many people traded their winter coats for light jackets and took to their bicycles or opened the...

Energy bills to be dozens of euros lower this year

The Dutch statistics bureau (CBS) reports that average household energy bills in the Netherlands are expected to decrease by over 50 euros this year. This decline is primarily attributed to a projecte...

Most house fires in Castricum: Chimneys and wood stoves cause winter peak as sweeping proves crucial

Castricum recorded the highest number of house fires in the IJmond region last year, primarily caused by chimneys and wood stoves during the winter months. Data from insurer Independer highlights that...

Robert Anthony (1938-2026), of the iconic Brothers Grimm, was a colorful character and Amsterdam legend

6 unique iftars in Amsterdam: break the fast with a twist

Captain Fantastic is a visual spectacle about parenting off the beaten path, but lacks depth

Mara goes crazy meeting Snoop Dogg in person: This is just a dream

American rapper Snoop Dogg visited Amsterdam to open a new coffeeshop and perform two sold-out shows at the Melkweg venue. Hundreds of fans gathered in the city center to catch a glimpse of the star, ...

Barcelona tourist tax doubles to a maximum of 15 euros per night

Starting in April, Barcelona will double its tourist tax to a maximum of 15 euros per night. The local government intends to use the additional revenue to address housing shortages in the city. Simila...

Who will help FC Uitgeest’s players with disabilities complete their sticker album? ‘A cherished memory of the past’

G-football players from FC Uitgeest are struggling to complete their personalized football card albums because many reside outside the municipality where the local supermarket distributes them. The in...

IKEA plush toy flies off shelves after rejected baby monkey goes viral

Demand for an IKEA orangutan plush toy has spiked after a video of a rejected baby monkey in Japan using it for comfort went viral. The stuffed animal has become a substitute companion for the young p...

Fasting for followers during #Ramadan

The author reflects on how Ramadan has shifted from a private, spiritual period of inner work to a more public display on social media. They argue that the fasting month should focus on reflection rat...

Weekend tips: things to do in Amsterdam (February 27 to March 1)

This article provides recommendations for activities and events taking place in Amsterdam during the weekend of February 27 to March 1. As the days grow longer, the city offers various engaging option...

Exceptionally warm February day draws crowds of Amsterdammers outside: ‘We used to call this flip-flop weather’

Rob Kemps organizes new festival in Aquabest: 'Brabant oasis full of partying'

Artist Rob Kemps, also known as Snollebollekes, is launching a new festival called 'Brabantse Vrienden' at Strandpark Aquabest on September 5. The event is described as a festive oasis that will featu...

New City Archives exhibition for more diverse representation: "Half of Amsterdammers menstruate"

The Amsterdam City Archives has launched a new exhibition titled "Claim Your Space" to improve diversity and representation within the city's historical records. The collection features nine personal ...

Controversy over gay Donkey at Efteling: 'Small, natural joke'

A character named Donkey has come out as gay during a new 'Sprookjesboom' show at the Efteling theme park. This event marks the first coming-out of a character in the park's 74-year history and has sp...

Why we are happier and have more energy when the sun shines: ‘Sun reduces stress’

Sunlight significantly improves mood and energy levels by reducing stress and increasing patience. When the sun shines, people are generally happier and more motivated to participate in enjoyable acti...

Why more and more children are not going to school and how we are tackling it

The number of children not attending school rose to 821 during the last academic year. Authorities have investigated the causes for this increase and are now implementing measures to address the issue...

Van der Heijden family writes their own book about a gnome: 'Everyone in class wanted to read it!'

The Van der Heijden family has written a book titled "Kabouter Pierewied," inspired by their frequent walks in the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. The creative project has been well-received by local ...

Interior afternoon Haarlem houses

On March 6, 2026, Haarlem will host an event focused on the historical interiors of local houses dating from 1875 to 1945. Experts will discuss architectural details like stained glass and decorative ...

Election liveblog: which debates are coming up?

Amsterdam is preparing for municipal elections on March 18 with a series of debates scheduled to address topics such as housing, transportation, and the local economy. Current polling indicates a clos...

Snowdrop walk in Thijsse's Hof

Hundreds of snowdrops are currently blooming in Thijsse’s Hof botanical garden. The site is once again hosting its annual display of these early spring flowers.

Festivals ban techno DJs following misconduct allegations

Several techno DJs have been barred from major Dutch music festivals, including Verknipt, DGTL, Awakenings, and Dominator, following allegations of sexual misconduct. Organizers confirmed the decision...

Fred helps toads and salamanders cross safely. 'Just after sunset is rush hour. We want as few road casualties as possible'

In late February, Fred assists toads and salamanders as they migrate from hibernation to water pools for reproduction. The effort aims to protect these amphibians from traffic accidents during their p...

Suffering from hay fever now? In February, it's often due to pollen from these trees

The hay fever season has begun in February as early spring weather brings tree pollen into the air. Biologist Arnold van Vliet explains that allergic reactions now occur nearly year-round, identifying...

Last chance: free lead check for your garden

Homeowners with private gardens can request a free soil check to test for lead until May 2026. This initiative is designed to help residents ensure the safety of their garden environment at no cost.

Households increasingly using air conditioning to heat their homes

An increasing number of households, particularly those with owner-occupied homes, are utilizing air conditioning units to heat their dwellings. This shift highlights a growing trend in alternative dom...

Expensive glasses popular among criminals. 'Stop selling Cartier, then it's solved'

Opticians in the Netherlands are increasingly being targeted by criminals for high-end designer frames, with recent break-ins reported in Laren and Limburg. Industry experts note that eyewear has tran...

Survey on IJtunnel closure: Potential hour of extra travel time during rush hour

Amsterdam has launched a survey to prepare motorists for the IJtunnel's year-long closure starting in summer 2027, which could add up to an hour of travel time during peak hours. The municipality is s...