Events for May 2009
In the summer time Amsterdam is arguably the best city in Europe. Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark blush with colour and music while the terraces of the finest cafés, coffee shops and bars in town overflow with tourists, all craving generous helpings of caffeine, skunk and strong booze. With that picture painted (Van Gogh would be proud) here’s what’s coming up in the Dam during May.
Story Highlights
- Remembrance Day
- Liberation Day
- Ajax Amsterdam Vs FC Twente
- Art Amsterdam
Remembrance Day ‐ May 4, 2009
This annual Dutch holiday commemorates the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in World War Two, as well as those killed in more recent wars and humanitarian disasters. Most businesses in Amsterdam will be open and special services will be held in the vicinity of the National Monument on Dam Square.
Liberation Day ‐ May 5, 2009
While May 4 is considered a traditional day of remembrance, May 5 is celebrated all over Holland to mark the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation, 64 years ago. Invaded in 1940, the Netherlands held an important strategic position on the World War Two map, sandwiched between Germany and the North Sea. Even when much of Western Europe had been liberated from Nazi control, Holland remained occupied until the May of 1945, when it was finally liberated by Canadian troops. You’ll find free parties and concerts scheduled all over the city, with the biggest merriment found on the huge grass embankment ‐ on Museumplein.
Ajax Amsterdam Vs FC Twente ‐ May 10, 2009
May 10 marks the end of the Dutch football calendar and this season Ajax Amsterdam play their final league game against former England manager Steve McClaren’s ‐ high flying FC Twente team. Currently occupying second and third place respectively, both Ajax and Twente are too far behind AZ Alkmaar to make a challenge for the title, but with Eredivisie runners‐up assured a lucrative Champions League Qualification, both teams will be keen to end the season on a high note inside the famous Amsterdam Arena. Expect a great atmosphere in and around the city on match day, especially on the Rembrandtplein where Dutch fans hang out near the many surrounding pubs and bars.
Art Amsterdam ‐ May 13 to 17, 2009
Art Amsterdam celebrates its 25th birthday this year with a unique contemporary art event, running for five whole days. An astonishing 120 artists will exhibit their talent at this year’s event, with painters, photographers, sculptors and modern art experts from all over the world showcasing a natural flair for all things abundantly beautiful, and bizarre. The venue for this year’s show is the well known RAI exhibition centre, which can be accessed easily via its own train terminal, located only a few stops from Central Station. For a full list of the artists lined up for this year’s event, visit artamsterdam.nl
‐ Johnny Lee
