Heavy smoke at raging fire in Castricum

A large fire broke out in a building in Castricum on Wednesday afternoon, producing significant amounts of smoke. Multiple fire department units responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

A large fire broke out in a building in Castricum on Wednesday afternoon, producing significant amounts of smoke. Multiple fire department units responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
The 31st edition of the Haarlem Culinair food festival will take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026. The four-day event is set to be held in the city's central Grote Markt square.

Author and historian Floor Bal has released a new children's book exploring traditional Dutch folklore, including the legend of the 'Bullebak' monster from North Holland. These historical tales often served as cautionary warnings to keep children away from dangerous waterways, reflecting the reality of high drowning rates in the nineteenth century.
The mayor and aldermen of Haarlem have received a salary increase this month. Their pay rise aligns with the new wage adjustments recently granted to civil servants in the Netherlands.

WorldPride begins in Amsterdam today, featuring a two-week program of concerts, street parties, and the Canal Parade. The event includes the official opening by Queen Máxima at Vondelpark and culminates in a closing concert at the Museumplein on August 8th.