Culture News in English

Latest culture headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.

Vondelkerk open for viewing again: "Fantastic to be back"
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Vondelkerk open for viewing again: "Fantastic to be back"

The Vondelkerk in Amsterdam reopened for a single day during Open Monument Day, allowing the public to see restoration efforts following a major fire eight months ago. While the church remains in a da...

Grammy winner Lil Durk cleared of involvement in murder-for-hire plot
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Grammy winner Lil Durk cleared of involvement in murder-for-hire plot

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk has been acquitted of murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges linked to a shooting involving rapper Quando Rondo. Although cleared of these major accusations, the artist ...

Ajax travels to Sittard • First starts for Amrabat and Kehrer
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Ajax travels to Sittard • First starts for Amrabat and Kehrer

Ajax achieved a convincing 5-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie, featuring goals from five different players including debutant Thilo Kehrer. This win moves the Amsterdam-based club up t...

Angela de Jong on free weight-loss injection plan: ‘I struggled for so long, I wish weight loss for everyone’
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Angela de Jong on free weight-loss injection plan: ‘I struggled for so long, I wish weight loss for everyone’

Columnist Angela de Jong responds positively to the news of a free weight-loss injection for people with obesity in the Netherlands. She expresses hope that this development signals a shift in how the...

He is 21, at his fifth club already, and remains totally unpredictable: Lequincio Zeefuik is a phenomenon
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He is 21, at his fifth club already, and remains totally unpredictable: Lequincio Zeefuik is a phenomenon

At 21 years old, striker Lequincio Zeefuik is playing for his fifth club, currently finding success at Fortuna Sittard after a difficult period at AZ. The article examines the career of the unpredicta...

Scattering ashes in Efteling 'happens occasionally', even though it is not allowed
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Scattering ashes in Efteling 'happens occasionally', even though it is not allowed

Although scattering ashes is prohibited at the Efteling theme park, visitors occasionally do so in secret at locations like the Fairy Tale Forest. Park management consistently denies requests for thes...

They joined the climate march in Amsterdam: 'The climate alarmist has been completely co-opted by the right'
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They joined the climate march in Amsterdam: 'The climate alarmist has been completely co-opted by the right'

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the center of Amsterdam on Saturday to demand faster government action on climate policy. Participants expressed concerns about recent extreme weathe...

Film producer Jeremy Thomas (77), known for The Last Emperor, has died
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Film producer Jeremy Thomas (77), known for The Last Emperor, has died

Renowned film producer Jeremy Thomas has died at the age of 77, leaving behind a prolific legacy that includes the Academy Award-winning film The Last Emperor. Thomas was highly regarded for his long-...

Thousands turn out for climate march: "Holy moly, stop with oil"
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Thousands turn out for climate march: "Holy moly, stop with oil"

Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Amsterdam today to demand an end to fossil fuel reliance. Organized by a coalition of environmental groups, the protest spanned from Dam Squar...

Dam Square fills for climate march to Museumplein as protesters carry signs about heat records and data centers
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Dam Square fills for climate march to Museumplein as protesters carry signs about heat records and data centers

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched from Dam Square to Museumplein in Amsterdam to demand stronger government action on climate change and the phasing out of fossil fuels. The event, organized ...

Mireille from B&B Vol liefde unhappy with reunion episode: 'Men are dropping out'
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Mireille from B&B Vol liefde unhappy with reunion episode: 'Men are dropping out'

Mireille from the show B&B Vol liefde is unhappy with her portrayal in the reunion episode, claiming missing context has caused other men to lose interest in her. She disputes reports that she sent co...

Parents of Jade Kops threatened: 'We are constantly scanning when we stand at the grave'
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Parents of Jade Kops threatened: 'We are constantly scanning when we stand at the grave'

The parents of the late social media figure Jade Kops are facing persistent stalking and threats targeting them and their other children. These individuals have threatened to approach the family at Ko...

Celine Dion stuns Paris with concert series that once seemed impossible
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Celine Dion stuns Paris with concert series that once seemed impossible

Céline Dion has launched a highly anticipated concert series in Paris, marking her return to the stage after a six-year hiatus due to a diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome. Despite the challenges of t...

Screen time | Dolly Parton showed me how social media changed our behavior
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Screen time | Dolly Parton showed me how social media changed our behavior

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has shifted consumer behavior from horizontal to vertical video recording. Algorithms now prioritize vertical content, forcing users and cr...

For sushi lovers: where locals say you can find the best sushi in Amsterdam
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For sushi lovers: where locals say you can find the best sushi in Amsterdam

Local residents have identified several top-rated sushi destinations in Amsterdam, ranging from intimate omakase bars to specialized takeaway spots. Featured restaurants include Ken Sushi, Japub, Yumm...

Henk was the only colleague who didn't want to strike: 'Ever since, my colleagues have called me a scab'
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Henk was the only colleague who didn't want to strike: 'Ever since, my colleagues have called me a scab'

Bus driver Henk chose to continue working during a public transport strike by driving his usual route in a rented vehicle. While he received gifts from appreciative passengers, his decision caused fri...

Jong Ajax player Mark Verkuijl (20) on the death of his girlfriend Elisa: ‘You have to, but you don’t really want to go on’
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Jong Ajax player Mark Verkuijl (20) on the death of his girlfriend Elisa: ‘You have to, but you don’t really want to go on’

Jong Ajax player Mark Verkuijl has spoken publicly about the tragic death of his girlfriend, Elisa, who passed away in December 2025 after being struck by a car. The 20-year-old midfielder expressed t...

Ajax signs deal with Indonesian football association to train youth in Ajax style
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Ajax signs deal with Indonesian football association to train youth in Ajax style

Ajax has entered a strategic partnership with the Indonesian Football Association to implement the club's youth development methodology across Indonesia. This collaboration aims to improve local footb...

Video | Fans gather in Paris for massive Céline Dion karaoke
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Video | Fans gather in Paris for massive Céline Dion karaoke

Fans of Céline Dion gathered in Paris for a large-scale karaoke event. This event took place ahead of the singer's series of 16 concerts scheduled in the city.

LIVE Eredivisie | Ajax visits a strong-starting Fortuna Sittard
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LIVE Eredivisie | Ajax visits a strong-starting Fortuna Sittard

Ajax secured a 5-1 away victory against Fortuna Sittard, rebounding from a previous loss to PSV. Debutant Thilo Kehrer starred with a goal and an assist as Ajax dominated the final half-hour of the ma...

These were the best-selling books at Scheltema this week
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These were the best-selling books at Scheltema this week

Before Stina (49) from Sweden moved to Amsterdam, she had already visited for King's Day: 'I suspected there was more to the city than just partying'
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Before Stina (49) from Sweden moved to Amsterdam, she had already visited for King's Day: 'I suspected there was more to the city than just partying'

Swedish architect Stina Stjärnström, 49, relocated to Amsterdam after previously visiting the city for King's Day. She recently shared a personal moment of feeling integrated into her new community ...

When your teenage son (15) commits a bombing out of nowhere: ‘We’ve cried a lot’
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When your teenage son (15) commits a bombing out of nowhere: ‘We’ve cried a lot’

A 15-year-old boy from Amsterdam was apprehended by police after detonating an explosive at a residence in the Bollenstreek area. The teenager reportedly targeted the wrong house, causing extensive da...

Trashed or praised: what happens if your restaurant is in Proefwerk? ‘After that review, our turnover doubled’
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Trashed or praised: what happens if your restaurant is in Proefwerk? ‘After that review, our turnover doubled’

Food critic Mara Grimm is reflecting on five years of writing Proefwerk restaurant reviews by interviewing the Amsterdam restaurateurs she has featured. The column's impact varies significantly, with ...

I was stunned: I have never been thanked in traffic in Amsterdam
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I was stunned: I have never been thanked in traffic in Amsterdam

Adam’s (27) style: ‘I like wearing things that make me feel a bit ridiculous’
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Adam’s (27) style: ‘I like wearing things that make me feel a bit ridiculous’

Adam, 27, defines his unique fashion sense as a blend of timeless, vintage-inspired silhouettes mixed with spontaneous, modern pieces. He enjoys adopting different personas through his clothing and in...

Former presenter Jack Spijkerman (77): ‘I’ve lived in Zuid for forty years, but I never got involved in the celebrity world’
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Former presenter Jack Spijkerman (77): ‘I’ve lived in Zuid for forty years, but I never got involved in the celebrity world’

Television personality Jack Spijkerman discusses his life in Amsterdam's Zuid district and his journey from being a teacher to a well-known presenter. In an interview with Robert Vuijsje, he reflects ...

Reviewer Mara Grimm answers reader questions: 'Loved ones are often afraid to cook for me'
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Reviewer Mara Grimm answers reader questions: 'Loved ones are often afraid to cook for me'

Restaurant critic Mara Grimm explains how she maintains anonymity and professional standards, often using a voice recorder to document experiences instead of public note-taking. She addresses common r...

Wolf spotted less than 40 kilometers from Amsterdam: is the animal heading for the coast?
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Wolf spotted less than 40 kilometers from Amsterdam: is the animal heading for the coast?

A wolf was recently spotted in the Gooi region, located within 40 kilometers of Amsterdam, prompting concerns about its possible migration toward the coast. Waternet, the manager of the Amsterdam Wate...

Why Amsterdam's foundation problem is likely much bigger than we thought: 'Sooner or later this will collapse like a house of cards'
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Why Amsterdam's foundation problem is likely much bigger than we thought: 'Sooner or later this will collapse like a house of cards'

Research indicates that climate change and drought are causing foundation failures in many more Amsterdam homes than previously anticipated. Experts warn that the city's infrastructure is at risk of c...