Freedom Eve The Hague 2026
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Sat 27 Jun ’2614:00 - 19:00Kunstenplein
Programme
2:00 PM Doors open Screening of relevant videos
2:15 – 2:40 PM Djembe workshop Led by drum master Mandiaye. Everyone, young and old, who is interested in participating is invited. There are a limited number of drums. Participants will be divided into groups due to space constraints and the number of drums available.
Want to join the workshop? Email africalifestichting@gmail.com or
WhatsApp 0612634194 before June 25 with I love Djembé to reserve your spot. Space is limited.
2:40 – 2:45 PM Host & Welcome Remarks – Vijay Sampatsing
2:50 – 3:05 PM Speech by Mariëlle Vavier, Alderman for Poverty, Inclusion, and Public Health.
3:15 – 3:25 PM Musical opening of the day featuring De Nubische Club, who will use traditional songs from Sudan, expressing the deep love and resilience of the Sudanese community in The Hague. Their music conveys the pain of a country at war, but also the pride, hope, and indestructible solidarity of a people who, even far from home, continue to cherish and share their culture.
3:35 – 3:45 PM Speech by Rabin Baldewsingh (National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism), dedicated to the innocent and enslaved people.
3:50 – 4:20 PM Salsa workshop Led by renowned dance instructor Windert Kastaneer,
two-time Dutch Salsa Champion, participants will enjoy a dynamic salsa and
merengue workshop.
Want to join the workshop? Email africalifestichting@gmail.com or
WhatsApp 0612634194 before June 25 with I love Salsa to reserve your spot. Limited availability.
4:25 – 4:35 PM Ambassador’s speech on their perspective regarding the history of transatlantic slavery.
More details to follow.
4:40 – 5:00 PM Screening of the filmed traditional peace ritual at the Transatlantic Slavery History Monument on Lange Voorhout, accompanied by a “tasting” of food typical of the slavery era distributed to visitors. THIS IS ALSO FREE FOR EVERYONE.
5:15 – 6:00 PM Trivia quiz on The Hague’s history of slavery and colonialism: Hosted by Paula Udondek, an expert quizmaster and Dutch TV presenter, who guides the audience in an accessible and lighthearted way through historical facts, surprising insights, and lesser-known stories from the city.
6:05 PM – 6:25 PM DJ musical performance: A high-energy, festive DJ set full of rhythm, energy, and pure joy. The music lifts the atmosphere, draws everyone onto the dance floor, and creates an unforgettable vibe that keeps everyone moving. A musical explosion that brings the audience together, makes them laugh, and celebrate as one.
6:30 – 7:00 PM The Reincarnational Band: An energetic group from Kenya that transports the audience into the warm sounds of authentic African music, carried by traditional rhythms and powerful Roots Reggae. Pure, sensational music from exceptional artists that gets every venue moving.
7:00 PM End
The event is dedicated to the abolition of slavery and brings together history, culture, and community in a single powerful program. Freedom Eve is a celebration of freedom you won’t want to miss: Visitors are invited to reflect on The Hague’s colonial and slavery past, while at the same time there is room for connection, dialogue, and a celebration of resilience.
The program features speeches, music, dance, workshops, a quiz, a historical tasting, and a market showcasing African art and literature. Diplomatic representatives, social partners, and organizations from The Hague will be present to experience a day of recognition and connection together with the public. A special feature this year is the presentation of an African peace ritual, pre-recorded at the Monument to the Transatlantic Slavery Past. Freedom Eve emphasizes that no one is inferior and that living in freedom is a human right.
The event is free and open to everyone, inviting the city to come together to commemorate, learn, and look ahead.
Credits
Freedom Eve The Hague is an initiative of the Africa Life Foundation and its board.
The Africa Life Foundation is an organization based in The Hague that connects communities through culture, education, and awareness. Through events, workshops, and commemorative programs, it strengthens pride, knowledge, and mutual solidarity. The foundation promotes inclusion, combats discrimination, and celebrates the richness of African traditions as a source of strength, inspiration, and social connection.