Culture News in English

Special World War II resistance material found in National Library

The KB national library in The Hague discovered a significant collection of World War II resistance materials, including forged identification documents and travel permits. The find also features phot...

Dries Roelvink wishes he had spent more time with daughter: 'My own mistake'

Dutch singer Dries Roelvink expressed regret in an interview with Vriendin magazine for a period of several years during which he had no contact with his daughter, Peggy, while she was young. Roelvink...

Mayor Halsema on defacing of Dam Square monument: ‘This is not a protest, but vandalism’

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the vandalism of the National Monument on Dam Square after it was defaced with red paint and the word "genocide" shortly before Remembrance Day. Halsema describ...

House and cabinet angry over defacement of National Monument

Dutch cabinet members and parliamentarians expressed outrage after the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam was defaced on Remembrance Day. State Secretary Eric van der Burg condemned the act ...

The photos of Bergen-Belsen were too shocking to show, though Philip Freriks would have allowed it: ‘Humans did this to each other’

Weekly tips: things to do in Amsterdam from May 4 to May 8

From May 4 to May 8, Amsterdam hosts various events for Remembrance Day, including a silent march from Museumplein to Dam Square. The program features the national two-minute silence at 8:00 PM and op...

National Monument on Dam Square defaced with red paint and 'genocide'

On the morning of Remembrance Day, the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam was defaced with red paint and the word 'genocide.' Cleaners are working to restore the monument before tonight's na...

EO produces farewell program about Lenny Kuhr and her emigration to Israel

The Dutch broadcaster EO is producing a tribute program titled 'Dankjewel Lenny' to honor singer Lenny Kuhr, airing on May 1st. The 76-year-old artist recently announced her plans to emigrate to Israe...

You either love him or hate him, says Kim Lammers: 'I wish I had more of his character'

Michiel Kramer is retiring from professional football after an eighteen-season career following a final appearance in the play-offs against Roda JC. He will remain with RKC Waalwijk, transitioning int...

Corrie ten Boom provided a Haarlem refuge for Jews: 'She saved countless lives and risked her own'

Corrie ten Boom is honored for her courageous resistance work in Haarlem during World War II, where she provided a safe haven for Jews and saved numerous lives. Her legacy of risking her own safety fo...

Resistance fighter Frieda Belinfante remains an inspiration for women today, including actress Kim van Zeben

Dutch resistance fighter Frieda Belinfante continues to inspire modern women, such as Amsterdam-based actress Kim van Zeben. Van Zeben feels a personal connection to Belinfante due to their shared ide...

Bo Wissink’s grandmother Jo Postma was a resistance courier: ‘She meant a lot to others, I want to improve the world too’

Bo Wissink finds inspiration in the wartime bravery of her grandmother, Jo Postma, who served as a courier for the Dutch resistance during World War II. Postma’s dedication to helping others and ris...

Toos & Henk - May 4

Cartoonist Paul Kusters presents his daily perspective on current events through the 'Toos & Henk' comic strip. This edition is released for May 4th, which is a day of remembrance in the Netherlands.

Granddaughter of Jan Bonekamp speaks at 20th anniversary of resistance fighter: ‘It is more urgent than ever that we remember’

Brigitte Scholz, the granddaughter of resistance fighter Jan Bonekamp, will serve as the guest speaker at the 20th commemoration ceremony in IJmuiden. Scholz emphasizes that honoring the past is more ...

What’s on in the IJmond on May 4 and 5: Commemorating and celebrating 81 years of freedom

The IJmond region will mark 81 years of freedom with events on May 4 and 5. The program includes commemorative services for victims of World War II and later conflicts, followed by celebrations for Li...

One in three athletes still experiences misconduct, few know where to report it

More than one-third of athletes experienced transgressive behavior over the past year, yet few turned to a confidential counselor for help. Despite these incidents, official reports are almost never f...

I lost all my teeth in those beatings

Spot the difference: Apollolaan in 1992 and 2026

Trouw celebrates 25,000th edition with wartime logo

The Dutch daily newspaper Trouw is celebrating its 25,000th edition this Monday. To mark the milestone, both the print edition and the website are temporarily using the publication's original wartime ...

People listen to the story of resistance fighter Aunt Cor from her former home

Journalist Rianne Oosterom gave a lecture at a house on Amsterdam's Prinsengracht about the WWII resistance efforts of Cor Koster, also known as Tante Cor. Koster used the residence to hide people, tr...

Exhibition in Ontmoetingskerk highlights human rights in Iran: ‘Young people risked death to demand change’

An exhibition at the Ontmoetingskerk features photographs of men and women killed during recent anti-regime protests in Iran. The display aims to bring attention to human rights issues and honor the y...

Haarlem Dolle Minas statue protest: Women have been written out of history

The activist group Dolle Mina's held a demonstration at the Grote Markt in Haarlem to protest the lack of recognition for influential women throughout history. Eleven participants represented overlook...

Why two minutes of silence and not one? Seven questions about Remembrance Day

The National Remembrance Day takes place on May 4th at Dam Square in Amsterdam, where the King and Queen lay a wreath to honor war victims. The event features a traditional two-minute silence at 8:00 ...

Talking about and commemorating the war is a must: ‘War is part of upbringing’

This article emphasizes the importance of discussing World War II and Remembrance Day with children to ensure they understand history and the current realities of conflict. Experts suggest starting th...

Sharon and Hélène organize first women's circle in IJmuiden: People need connection

Sharon van den Braber and Hélène van den Bos have established a women's circle in IJmuiden and Velserbroek to promote social connection. These gatherings at community centers De Dwarsligger and De K...

Actor Beau Starr, known for Goodfellas and Halloween, dies

American actor Beau Starr, known for his roles in films like Goodfellas and Halloween 4, has passed away at the age of 81. He died of natural causes on April 24 at his home in Vancouver.

Bloemendaal endures disappointing trophyless season

Bloemendaal's field hockey team has been officially eliminated from the play-offs for the first time in ten years after a disappointing season. Despite a 1-0 victory against Klein Zwitserland this wee...

Coach house at Assumburg Castle enhanced with glass windows and doors: ‘It has become a museum-like space’

The historic Koetshuijs at Slot Assumburg in Heemskerk has been renovated with new glass installations within its original arches, enhancing the visitor experience at the castle gardens. While modern ...

Dropped Sef: be silent on May 4, but speak out afterwards

Rapper Sef called on the Dutch public to observe silence on May 4th for war victims while urging them to speak out against international conflicts throughout the rest of the year. The appeal follows h...

Assumburg Castle’s turret is the cream of the crop. ‘The step toward becoming a hotel is one step closer’

Stayokay Heemskerk recently held an open house at Slot Assumburg to showcase the results of recent renovations and the castle's historical decor. The event marks a significant step toward the venue's ...