Keti Koti Kids Day

On 14 June, celebrate the abolition of slavery with us during the Keti Koti Kids Day. There are various activities, especially for children, where we commemorate, learn and celebrate together. Join us and celebrate the power of freedom and solidarity. Everyone is welcome!

The programme

11.00 am Drawing workshop - Celebrate Freedom in Colour!
12.00pm Koto demonstration of Afro-Surinamese costume.
1pm Drawing workshop - Celebrate Freedom in Colour!
2.15pm Celebration with performance, mesmerising dance and more.
See all the activities of the celebration below.

Drawing workshop - Celebrate Freedom in Colour! 6+

During this special drawing workshop, we invite children to reflect together on the theme of freedom, with a focus on all cultures.

What are we going to do? Under the guidance of an experienced artist, we will work with colourful drawing materials. We will be inspired by stories of freedom from different cultures and together create works of art that celebrate our connection, diversity and heroes.

Het Nieuwe L@b | 11.00-12.30 hours & 13.00-14.00 hours | € 2.50

  Demonstration Afro-Surinamese costumes

During Keti Koti, we celebrate and commemorate the abolition of slavery. A special part of this celebration is the Koto demonstration, focusing on the rich tradition of Afro-Surinamese costumes.

The Koto is a traditional outfit consisting of a wide skirt and jacket, often combined with an Angisa. This is an artfully folded headscarf. Each fold and colour of the Angisa carries a specific meaning and tells a story. Originally, this costume arose after the abolition of slavery, around 1880, as an expression of identity and pride of Afro-Surinamese women

During the demonstration, the different styles and meanings of the Koto and Angisa will be explained. Visitors will get an insight into the history, symbolism and craftsmanship behind these garments. It is a unique opportunity to experience the cultural richness and resilience of the Afro-Surinamese community.

Het Nieuwe Plein | 12.00-14.00 hours | Free

Festive Keti Koti Celebration 4+

Celebrate freedom with us during this interactive celebration. With several special activities, about which you will read more below, we will make it a real celebration!

De Nieuwe Zaal | 14.15-16.30 hrs | From € 5,-

Interactive reading moment
We will start this festive celebration with an interactive reading moment. Writer Nancy Bosmans will read from the new picture book: The girl with the seeds in her hair, a picture book about the Ghanaian girl Yaa. She and her mother are forced to leave their village. By boat, they are taken to a foreign country. There, Yaa has to work very hard or she will be punished. Home seems far away. But... in Yaa's braids, mum has hidden something: seeds of the vegetables and fruit from their homeland. In the dead of night, Yaa goes out of her bed to plant the seeds. Thus, in the great darkness, a glimmer of hope blossoms.

Then we will go on an adventure in a musical theatre performance by MrJetFly that will take you into the enchanting Kawina Jungle. MrJetFly (known for 4theCulture, Kenny B and La Rouge) will take you to the enchanting Kawina jungle. Discover together with MrJetFly the rhythms of music by clapping, stomping and singing. Together you will search for and play the different Kawina instruments in the enchanting jungle. Can you find all the Kawina instruments and wake up the animals?

During the break, meet Nancy Bosmans, author of the picture book The Girl with Seeds in Her Hair. A unique opportunity to meet the author and learn more about the inspiration behind this extraordinary story. During the break, you can purchase a copy of the book and have it signed by Nancy Bosmans herself.

Indulge your taste buds during intermission with a delectable treat from Smalls Original Catering. Enjoy artisan cakes made with fresh ingredients and love for the craft, accompanied by refreshing, homemade lemonade. Smalls Original is known for their creative and sustainable food concepts that not only taste delicious, but also contribute to a conscious lifestyle.

We conclude the festive celebration with a sparkling Awasa dance, a traditional party dance from Afro-Surinamese culture. This dance, from the maroon people of Ndyuka (Aucaners), is known for its graceful hand, hip and neck movements in women, depicting their beauty, and acrobatic movements in men, showing strength and skill.

The dancers bring a vibrant and colourful finale that celebrates the connectedness and resilience of the Surinamese community. Get carried away by the energy and symbolism of this beautiful dance form - a festive finale you don't want to miss!

This celebration is part of the city celebration of Keti Koti Almere, in which we work together with partners such as Kunstlinie, ZaalX, Untold and Stichting Keti Koti Flevoland. Together we are building a powerful and connecting programme that does justice to the past, the present and the future!