rssFeb 28, 2026, 15:00

Viktoriia fled the war: The past four years really feel like a nightmare

Viktoriia, a 25-year-old Ukrainian refugee, has been living in Haarlem for four years after fleeing the war and leaving her family behind. She currently resides on a cruise ship and works at a local supermarket while finding community support through a church and the Rasom foundation. Although she has adapted to life in the Netherlands, she remains determined to return home and help rebuild her city of Kharkiv once the conflict ends.

Lifestyle Haarlem Netherlands World

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

Many students attend Pink Breakfast in Haarlem, but: "Purple Friday is under pressure"

On Purple Friday, students wore purple to support the LGBTI+ community, with a well-attended Pink Breakfast held at the Haarlem city hall. However, recent data shows a notable decrease in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people, and school organizers report that the day is facing increased pressure and scheduling difficulties.

Brazilians (22 and 23) who used extreme violence to rob men met via Grindr are now in the Netherlands

Two Brazilian men, aged 22 and 23, have been extradited from Portugal to the Netherlands to face charges for a series of violent robberies in Amsterdam and Haarlem. The suspects allegedly lured victims via the dating app Grindr alongside an accomplice who has already received a ten-year prison sentence.

Don't get angry! Here's what's happening during National Games Week in Haarlem

Haarlem is hosting the National Board Game Week from October 26 to November 1 to encourage social interaction through tabletop games. Residents of all skill levels are invited to participate in various activities at locations like the Teylers Museum and the youth center @ease.

Water board warns: North Holland not well prepared for rising sea levels

Water board official Bea de Buisonjé warns that North Holland is ill-prepared for rising sea levels, noting that traditional technical solutions are no longer sufficient. Authorities are calling for increased water storage capacity and improved flood-resilient urban planning to protect vulnerable areas.

Quay along the Donkere Spaarne closed off

A section of the quay along the Donkere Spaarne in Haarlem is closing on October 20 due to the rapid deterioration of a retaining wall built in 1930. The city is implementing traffic adjustments, including one-way car flow and parking restrictions, to ensure public safety while homes and businesses remain accessible.