Culture News in English

Raven van Dorst found US visa application a painful process: 'I had to choose'

Dutch presenter Raven van Dorst described the U.S. work visa application process as "painful" because it required temporarily reverting to a binary gender choice instead of the gender-neutral 'X' in t...

Oscars to leave famous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood

Starting in 2029, the Academy Awards will move from the Dolby Theatre to the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. This transition ends the Oscars' 27-year history at the iconic Hollywood venue...

Hook of Holland fishmonger prosecuted for refusing woman with face veil

A fishmonger in Hoek van Holland is being prosecuted for discrimination after refusing to serve a woman wearing a face veil. The Court of Appeal in The Hague ruled that the man must stand trial for th...

Public Prosecution Service prosecutes two for assault and discrimination on VU campus

The Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office is prosecuting two 25-year-old students for assault and discriminatory behavior occurring on the Vrije Universiteit campus in Amsterdam last November. The suspects...

John Oomkes (1952-2026): prominent music journalist with a big heart for his native Haarlem

John Oomkes, a prominent pop journalist and former city council member from Haarlem, has passed away at the age of 74. Recognized as a pioneer in serious music journalism since the mid-1970s, Oomkes w...

No local 'opposition party' in the council: 'Today's protest party is right-wing populist'

Amsterdam currently lacks a distinct local protest party in its city council, a significant shift from the influential activist movements of the 1960s and 70s. Historian Bas Kok suggests this is becau...

Weekend tips: things to do in Haarlem (March 27-29)

Haarlem offers various activities for the weekend of March 27-29 to celebrate the beginning of spring. The article provides curated tips and suggestions for events taking place throughout the city dur...

This artist regularly wears a fake belly: ‘It started with my feelings of loneliness’

Why do we want to know everything about Jan Smit and Liza’s divorce? ‘You think: things aren't that bad for me’

Dutch singer Jan Smit and his wife Liza Plat have announced their divorce after fourteen years of marriage. The split has sparked significant public interest, with psychologists noting that people oft...

Haarlem band Eskalatie breathes new life into ska music

Eskalatie, a 12-member band from Haarlem, is reviving Dutch-language ska music by blending high-energy performances with social commentary. The group recently won the Rob Acda Award and has upcoming p...

Brad Pitt in Amsterdam? Even the most level-headed locals turn into hysterical fans

Brad Pitt was spotted walking along the canals in Amsterdam this week, appearing incognito with messy hair. His presence caused a rare wave of excitement among locals who typically remain indifferent ...

Video | Yvonne Coldeweijer's salary revealed: 'Don't be difficult about privacy'

Judge bans undressing feature in Grok chatbot

A court in Amsterdam has banned the "undressing function" of the Grok chatbot in the Netherlands following a summary judgment. The legal challenge was brought by victim support organizations and safet...

Paul McCartney announces first album in over five years

Paul McCartney has announced his first new album in over five years. The 83-year-old musician describes the record as a collection of revealing moments and memories that he has never shared before.

Lawyer also seeks acquittal for Ali B in Ten Damme rape case

Lawyer Bart Swier has requested an acquittal for Ali B regarding the alleged rape of singer Ellen ten Damme. The defense argued that a statement from Ten Damme's former partner should not be used as c...

This painting company has maintained Amsterdam’s monuments for five generations: ‘Leave the city? We wouldn’t dream of it’

Donyell Malen in top form ahead of special milestone: 'Very special for a boy from a small village'

Donyell Malen is set to earn his 50th cap for the Netherlands national football team in an upcoming match against Norway. This milestone marks the first time he will start four consecutive internation...

Flower shop Ivy leaves Leidseplein after 126 years: ‘I’m done’

Scouting Brigitta Explorers raise money for summer camp with flea market

Scouting Brigitta is hosting its annual flea market on Saturday, March 28. The event aims to raise funds to support the group's upcoming summer camp.

Two suspects (17 and 30) arrested for massive fireworks that caused Ajax-Groningen to be abandoned

Police have arrested two suspects, aged 17 and 30, for inciting a massive fireworks display during an Ajax-Groningen football match on November 30. The incident, involving approximately 150 supporters...

In the alternative reality where a Redditor rewrote the rules, Patrick Brouwer is firmly at the top

A recent draw between Feyenoord and Ajax in 'De Klassieker' serves as an example of how football statistics like xG do not always reflect the actual quality of a match. Despite data suggesting an acti...

Raye’s ‘This Album May Contain Hope’ is a dazzling and immersive album

Patrick Bruel also charged with sexual offense in Belgium

French singer Patrick Bruel is facing charges for an alleged sexual assault that took place in Belgium in 2010. The incident reportedly occurred at the RTBF public broadcaster building, as stated by t...

Items from death row on display at memorial for civil registry attack

The Resistance Museum in Amsterdam is commemorating the anniversary of the attack on the city's population register this Friday. The event features an exhibition of personal belongings from three resi...

KI/KI at Ziggo Dome not once, but twice during ADE

Meilands return to TV on RTL: 'Started to itch'

The Meiland family has signed an exclusive contract with RTL and Videoland, marking their return to television after announcing their retirement earlier this year. The reality TV stars decided to make...

Flea market returns to Haarlem's Botermarkt every Wednesday

The flea market has returned to the Botermarkt in Haarlem following its winter break. Visitors can browse the various stalls every Wednesday from 9 AM until approximately 3 PM.

Ali B's lawyer seeks acquittal in Heiloo rape case

The lawyer for rapper Ali B has requested an acquittal from the Amsterdam court of appeal regarding charges of sexual assault and rape. The allegations stem from an incident involving a woman during a...

Principled Max Verstappen sends message by dismissing reporter and settles old score once again

Max Verstappen dismissed an English journalist during a media session in Japan, signaling he had reached his limit with the reporter's conduct. The incident was not part of a calculated media strategy...

Barbara Sloesen and Joost Hofman regular columnists for new magazine LINDA.mini

Actress Barbara Sloesen and musician Joost Hofman have been named as regular columnists for the new magazine LINDA.mini, which is aimed at parents of young children. The couple will contribute a duo c...