Chinese New Year Celebrations in Amsterdam 2015

When in Amsterdam...Chinese New Year is celebrated by our Chinese and Asian communities. The celebrations centre on the businesses and the Buddhist Temple on the Zeedijk on the edge of the Red Light District. Fireworks will be lit and Dragon and Lion Dances on show to ward off evil spirits from the old year and usher in the new year..

Celebrations take over from Dam Square through the Red Light District to Zeedijk. At the Bijenkorf on the Dam Square many different activities take place over a two day period. At 7:20pm on Dam Square on 20th February 2015 there will be activities and a speech by the Mayor of Amsterdam.

Don't forget to wear red and have a happy and successful year of the Goat!

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Heart Day (Hartjesdag) 2012 on Amsterdam's Zeedijk

When in Amsterdam....the third weekend of August is the Hartjesdag Festival on Amsterdam's Zeedijk. The modern festival began in 1997 to show the wonders of one of Amsterdam's oldest streets.

Amsterdam's Zeedijk Hartjesdag 2012

Hartjesdag was originally Hertjesday (Deer Day) and dates back to the Middle Ages when hunting deer was allowed by normal people. Somewhere along the way it turned into a cross dressing festival.

Hartjesdag Zeedijk. Painter Johan Braakensiek (1858-1940) 

During World War 2 the festival was banned by the occupying Nazi Germans. Nevertheless, Zeedijk became a refuge for those persecuted by the Nazis. Officers of the occupying forces were not allowed to frequent the street as it was seen as beneath them.

Strolling the promenade. Zeedijk Amsterdam 2012

Today, Zeedijk, Amsterdam's medieval sea wall, is a diverse street that includes Amsterdam's Chinatown and oldest Gay bar. The street also contains one of the only wooden facade buildings in the city.

Hartjesday is a weird and wonderful festival that reminds people Amsterdam is a livable city of many small neighborhoods. Highlights of the Festival are always the cross dressing competition, choirs and the opera.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!