In Amsterdams Oosterpark, the annual national commemoration of the Dutch trans-Atlantic slavery past took place on July 1st. Vice Chair Tom van der Lee laid a wreath together with First Chamber President Jan Anthonie Bruijn on behalf of the States General.

Official Commemoration

Since 2002, the national commemoration takes place at the National Slavery Monument. This year it focuses on shared heritage, dialogue, and cultural expression. For the first time, the commemoration is jointly organized by the National Institute for Dutch Slavery Past and Heritage (NiNsee) and the newly established Commemoration Committee for Slavery Past. Wendeline Flores, Vice Chair of NiNsee, addressed the attendees. Various wreaths were then laid. 

Abolition of Slavery

Slavery was abolished by law on July 1, 1863 in the Dutch colonies of Suriname and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. A large number of those enslaved had to work on the plantations for another ten years. Therefore, for many in the then Kingdom, slavery really ended only in 1873. July 1, 2025 marks 152 years since that time.

Keti Koti Festival

After the commemoration, the Keti Koti festival traditionally takes place, featuring performances on various stages. Keti Koti means the breaking of the chains.