Keti Koti Amsterdam 2027

What is Keti Koti?

Every year on 1 July, Amsterdam marks Keti Koti – Sranan Tongo for “broken chains”. The day commemorates the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the former Dutch Caribbean colonies on 1 July 1863, and honours the millions of people who were enslaved under Dutch rule. After the national Year of Remembrance of the Slavery Past (2023–2024), Keti Koti has grown into one of the most meaningful days in the Amsterdam calendar.

The day combines two elements: a formal national commemoration, followed by a festival celebrating freedom and the cultures of Suriname and the Caribbean.

Programme on Thursday 1 July 2027

• Morning: the National Commemoration of the Dutch Slavery Past at the National Slavery Monument in the Oosterpark, with speeches, wreath-laying and a moment of silence.
• Afternoon and evening: the Keti Koti Festival, with live music, dance, spoken word, storytelling and traditional food. In recent years the festival has taken place on Museumplein; the location and programme for 2027 are announced by the organisers in spring.
• Many visitors wear traditional koto dress or the colours of Suriname, and the day traditionally ends with a shared Keti Koti meal.

Practical information

• Date: Thursday 1 July 2027 (the date is fixed every year)
• Commemoration: National Slavery Monument, Oosterpark, Amsterdam-Oost (tram 3 or 7, metro 51/53/54 to Wibautstraat)
• Festival: free admission; check ketikotiamsterdam.nl for the 2027 location and timetable
• Respect: the commemoration is a solemn moment – please keep silent during the ceremony and avoid photographing mourners up close