Events for May 2011
We went all out with Queens Day and now it’s time for a whole new month of fun. The weather has been brilliant lately and it looks like it’s going to stay that way throughout May. This is great news for any keen cyclers arriving into town - so go rent a bike and explore the Dutch countryside.
Story Highlights
- May Month = Cycle Month
- Remembrance and Liberation
- World Press Photo
- Amsterdam City of Pictures
May Month = Cycle Month
There are lots of places in the city where you can rent a bike, but once you have said bike where do you go? My top tip is to visit the Tourist Information Centre and ask about the Maymonth Cyclemonth specials. They will provide you with some unique routes and special activities along the way. Unique treats include a tour through a mill, a telescope for bird watching, local snacks and a free cup of coffee or tea.
Remembrance and Liberation
In early May we pay respect to those who lost their lives during World War Two and also in more recent military conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The biggest remembrance ceremony is in Dam Square where thousands of people will join the royal family in a ceremony built around the traditional bugle call, followed by two minutes of silence. The surrender of the German army is also celebrated, as is freedom in general! There will be free festivals throughout the country but the biggest one is always in Haarlem. There will be various stages where local and international artists will do their thing. This year’s line up includes Waylon, Triggerfinger and the Baseballs.
World Press Photo
The World Press Photo tour starts in Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk church gallery before travelling to more than 40 countries. The best news related photos of the past year are assembled into an exhibition with over 200 images creating an overview of how press photographers tackle their work around the globe, and how the press relates news through images.
Amsterdam City of Pictures
If you’re more interested in local photography visit the city archive where there is a photo exhibition of Amsterdam, over the past 70-years. See how the city, its people, and its visitors have changed over nearly a century, through the eyes of the people who lived there.
- Eva Dam
