It’s Amsterdam’s birthday, and you can celebrate it here
Admire the Toll Privilege
The city’s date of birth has been determined as October 27, 1275, because it is the date of the oldest known document in which Amsterdam (‘Amestelledamme’) is referred to. On that date, Count Floris V gave the residents of the deposit at the dam in the Amstel toll-freedom, which meant that they could transport their own goods through the county of Holland toll-free.
You can enjoy that famous Toll Privilege, as the document is called, from 27 to 30 October View for free in the Treasury in the City Archives. Due to its fragility, the Tol Privilege can only be admired a few days a year.
Experience Medieval Amsterdam
On Sunday afternoon 30 October you can also find out more about Amsterdam in the City Archives during the theme day Medieval Amsterdam. Scientists there tell about what occupied Amsterdammers ‘from then’. There is also a family program where you can learn how to quickly decipher an old text from the archive and you can make your own certificate – with a seal of course.
The Muiderslot – from Amsterdam Castle – treats
The same Count Floris V once left the Muiderslot – by city marketeers renamed ‘Amsterdam Castle’ – building. That is why there will also be a banquet in the castle in Muiden on Thursday 27 October unpacked because of the city’s birthday. Who’s birthday, treats, so there is goodies. There are also free tours where you can learn everything about the historical link between Muiderslot and Amsterdam.
Freethinkers festival in the Balie
De Balie debate center reflects on the history of the city in a different way: during the Freethinkers Festival (28 to 31 October) the battle of national and international journalists and freethinkers is central. Different speakers from Parool journalist Paul Vugts to minister Dilan Yesilgöz (Justice and Security) consider the question: is Amsterdam still a safe haven for dissenters? The official opening is Friday with mayor Femke Halsema.
Final Great Amsterdam Pub Quiz
Last month the preliminary rounds of the Great Amsterdam Pub Quiz were played in Amsterdam cafes, community centers and care homes. But who really knows the most about the history of Amsterdam? On October 29, the final will be played in the Nieuwe Kerk from 7 p.m. (which will be broadcasted on AT 5 O’CLOCK); after mayor Halsema won the prizes. The winner can call himself ‘Amsterdam Expert of the Year 2022’ and will receive a travel voucher worth 1500 euros.
Amsterdam 750 years
In the meantime, work is being done steadily on the party that really matters: the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam in 2025. From 27 October 2024 will be the 749th anniversary of the city, everything will be pulled out for a year to celebrate the anniversary of the city to celebrate. Over the years, the organization finances Amsterdam 750 a subsidy round every year of the Mensen Maken Amsterdam foundation, where Amsterdammers can submit party ideas. Grants can also be requested from Stichting Amsterdam 750 for a ‘birthday project’.
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