AMSTERDAM - King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Prime Minister Mark Rutte will participate in the National Commemoration of the Slavery Past on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Oosterpark, Amsterdam. Additionally, a delegation from the Dutch Cabinet and the Plenipotentiary Ministers of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten will also be present.
During the commemoration, the King will deliver a speech. There is much speculation about the content - whether there will be apologies or not. The commemoration in Oosterpark, along with the Keti Koti Festival in Museumplein, marks the beginning of the Commemoration Year of the Slavery Past. Throughout the Kingdom, events and activities will take place during this commemoration year to reflect on this history and its impact on people's lives today.
The commemoration will be broadcast live by NOS, BVN via satellite, and through the BVN livestream worldwide.