In the run-up to the city’s 750th anniversary, the religious festival The Spirit of Amsterdam will take place for the first time this weekend. For three days, visitors can visit more than thirty houses of worship to learn about each other’s religion and culture. With a full program combined with dance, art and music, the organization hopes that people will visit each other more quickly.
This year is the first time that The Spirit of Amsterdam is taking place. Everyone is welcome to take a look and participate in an activity in synagogues, mosques and churches, among others. Rikko Voorberg is one of the organizers of the festival and hopes that this will put places of worship on the map. ”Places of worship are actually very beautiful on the inside, but are not visited enough. Hopefully this festival will also show this more,” Voorburg explains. From ecstatic dancing in the church to meditating in the temple, every religion opens its doors with a creative twist.
light bird
The festival kicks off on Friday in the Noorderkerk in the Jordaan with a workshop led by artist Jurrian van den Haak. Participants make a light bird from bamboo and kite paper, in honor of a loved one or a person they have lost.
The originally Catholic Murthe also participates in this to commemorate her deceased mother. “I feel as if religion and my mother are a source of inspiration,” says Murthe. In addition, Voorberg explains why this festival is so important now. “We have to get over that division of cultures and religions because we really need each other. . We all live in this city.”
There is also a suitable event on Saturday for visitors who prefer to watch rather than be creative. More than ten Amsterdam church choirs come together in the Old Lutheran Church on the Singel, ranging from Orthodox to Slavic. Each choir performs for fifteen minutes and visitors can enjoy the stories from the history of these churches in between. “It is time for us to seek each other out, listen to each other and give each other space,” explains pastor Andreas Wöhle.
Activities of The Spirit of Amsterdam can still be visited until tomorrow. For example, you can attend your own funeral in the Keizersgracht Church or attend a dance performance in the Great Synaoge Jewish Museum.
Welcome to the Unholy Celebration: The Spirit of Amsterdam!
In a city that’s rolling out the red carpet for its 750th birthday, it only seems fitting that we’d throw a festival dedicated to spirituality and culture, right? Buckle up, folks, because the first-ever The Spirit of Amsterdam festival is taking place this weekend, and it’s looking to be more colorful than a child’s crayon box!
A Divine Open House: More Than Just a Sunday Visit
For three glorious days, you can wander into over thirty houses of worship that are actually throwing their doors wide open! Yes, you heard that right—synagogues, mosques, churches, and temples have lined up to welcome you with arms wide enough for a contortionist. Rikko Voorberg, one of the festival’s wise sages—I mean, organizers—wants us to be awed by the beauty of these sacred spaces, stating, “Places of worship are actually very beautiful on the inside, but are not visited enough.” The man certainly nailed down the subtlety there; let’s hope he’s not describing my last flat-share!
And what’s on the festival’s creative menu this year? Think ecstatic dancing in churches and meditating in temples, or as I like to say, “Please stop throwing my holy water around!” Seriously, they’re mixing things up a bit, with the aim of getting us all to visit and learn about each other’s faiths—because let’s face it; without mutual understanding, we might as well be shouting into the wind.
Light Birds and Memories: Not Just Pastors and Pews
The festival launches Friday at the Noorderkerk in the Jordaan, and what better way to kick it off than by making a light bird from bamboo and kite paper? Come on, who wouldn’t want to craft something sweet in memory of a lost one? Murthe, an originally Catholic participant, is getting all sentimental on us, saying her religion and late mother inspire her. It’s hard not to feel a bit teary-eyed—like my last attempt at trying to fix my love life with the help of a plant!
Choirs and Community: Because Singing Is Better Than Fighting
Now, if creative crafts aren’t your scene, but you have a soft spot for sensational singing, then you’re in luck! On Saturday, over ten Amsterdam church choirs are gathering like it’s a 90s boy band reunion in the Old Lutheran Church on Singel. Each choir will belt out glorious tunes for a leisurely fifteen minutes. It’s like a religious “X Factor,” only the stakes are higher and the scandal is… well, probably still not as juicy!
Pastor Andreas Wöhle puts it simply: “It is time for us to seek each other out, listen to each other, and give each other space.” That’s right, no one wants to be that person who clings on during a conversation and just won’t let go!
Final Thoughts: A Festival with a Purpose
The Spirit of Amsterdam is still hopping until tomorrow, giving you a chance to check out events like attending your own funeral (talk about self-indulgent!), or dancing your socks off at the Great Synagogue Jewish Museum. So go ahead, grab your friends, your neighbors—you might even want to take that colleague you can’t stand. Who knows? A little spirit might just rekindle that sense of community we all so desperately need!
In the end, what the world needs now is not just love sweet love, but a little cheekiness, a bit of understanding, and maybe some killer dance moves. Let’s get out there and celebrate our differences—and for heaven’s sake, make some light birds while we’re at it!
In a vibrant lead-up to the capital’s milestone 750th anniversary, the inaugural religious festival, The Spirit of Amsterdam, will unfold this weekend, inviting residents and visitors to experience a unique cultural exchange. Over the course of three days, attendees will have the opportunity to explore more than thirty diverse houses of worship, gaining insights into the rich tapestry of religions and cultures that coexist within the city. Featuring a thoughtfully curated program that blends dance, art, and music, the organizers aim to foster a sense of community and encourage individuals to connect and share experiences with one another.
This groundbreaking event marks the first occurrence of The Spirit of Amsterdam, welcoming everyone to engage and participate in various activities hosted in synagogues, mosques, and churches, among other sacred spaces. Rikko Voorberg, one of the festival’s dedicated organizers, expresses hope that the event will help bring greater visibility to these often-overlooked places of worship. “Places of worship are actually very beautiful on the inside, but are not visited enough. Hopefully, this festival will also show this more,” Voorberg shares enthusiastically. From exhilarating dance performances in churches to tranquil meditation sessions in temples, each participating religion opens its doors with an imaginative flair.
light bird
The festival kicks off on Friday in the historic Noorderkerk located in the vibrant Jordaan district, featuring an inspiring workshop led by artist Jurrian van den Haak. During this interactive session, participants will create poignant light birds crafted from bamboo and kite paper, serving as heartfelt tributes to loved ones or individuals they have lost.
The originally Catholic Murthe also participates in this special activity to honor the memory of her late mother. “I feel as if religion and my mother are a source of inspiration,” Murthe reflects, highlighting the personal significance of the event. Additionally, Voorberg emphasizes the timely importance of this festival in promoting unity. “We have to get over that division of cultures and religions because we really need each other. We all live in this city,” he asserts, advocating for a more harmonious coexistence among diverse communities.
There is also a captivating event on Saturday for visitors who prefer to immerse themselves in the experience rather than participate in hands-on activities. More than ten Amsterdam church choirs will unite in the Old Lutheran Church on the picturesque Singel, showcasing a variety of musical traditions from Orthodox to Slavic. Each choir will perform a fifteen-minute set, with attendees treated to enlightening stories from the rich history of these churches interspersed throughout the performances. “It is time for us to seek each other out, listen to each other, and give each other space,” emphasizes pastor Andreas Wöhle, echoing the festival’s mission of fostering connection.
Activities of The Spirit of Amsterdam can still be enjoyed until tomorrow. For instance, participants can attend a unique service reflecting on mortality in the Keizersgracht Church or witness a captivating dance performance at the Great Synagogue Jewish Museum, showcasing the festival’s diverse offerings and inclusive spirit.
How does Rikko Voorberg view the role of festivals like The Spirit of Amsterdam in promoting understanding among different cultures and religions?
**Interview with Rikko Voorberg, Organizer of The Spirit of Amsterdam Festival**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Rikko! The Spirit of Amsterdam is such an exciting initiative. What inspired you and your team to create this festival?
**Rikko Voorberg:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from the idea that our city is celebrating its 750th anniversary, and what better way to mark such a milestone than by fostering a sense of community and understanding among different cultures and religions? We wanted to highlight the beauty of our places of worship, which often remain overlooked, and show that they can be welcoming spaces for everyone.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful! You mentioned that places of worship are beautiful but not visited enough. Can you tell us what attendees can expect when they visit these spaces during the festival?
**Rikko Voorberg:** Absolutely! Each participating house of worship offers unique experiences. Visitors can expect a range of activities—from engaging dance performances in churches to peaceful meditation sessions in temples. We want to create a vibrant atmosphere where people can explore and appreciate the diversity of our spiritual landscape.
**Interviewer:** On opening day, you have a workshop where participants create light birds. How did that concept come about?
**Rikko Voorberg:** That workshop is led by artist Jurrian van den Haak, and it’s designed to be a heartfelt tribute to loved ones. Participants can craft these light birds from bamboo and kite paper, symbolizing remembrance and hope. It’s a creative, communal activity that allows people to connect through shared emotions and experiences.
**Interviewer:** I love that! What do you think is the most important message this festival aims to convey to the community?
**Rikko Voorberg:** The main message is the importance of connection and understanding among diverse cultures and religions. As I often say, “We need to get over the divisions of cultures and religions because we truly need each other.” Festivals like this can help break down barriers and encourage dialog, allowing us all to coexist more harmoniously.
**Interviewer:** So true! Lastly, what would you say to someone who’s hesitant to attend due to unfamiliarity with other religions?
**Rikko Voorberg:** I would encourage them to step out of their comfort zone! This festival is all about exploration and learning. You’ll find that we have more in common than we think—both in our traditions and our humanity. It’s a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, engage with others, and perhaps, find something beautiful in a religion you’re not familiar with.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Rikko! Your passion for this festival is infectious, and it really highlights the incredible work you and your team are doing. We can’t wait to see how The Spirit of Amsterdam unfolds this weekend!
**Rikko Voorberg:** Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to join us and experience the magic of our community together!