Two minutes of silence were observed on Thursday to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Dutch colonies. The memorial is the beginning of celebrations that continue Friday with the Keti Koti festival in Amsterdam.

Thursday’s observed silence was followed by the raising of the flags of the Netherlands, Suriname and Curacao. A choir also sang the countries’ national anthems. The theme of this year’s memorial is ‘Standing Together and Celebrating Life.’

A second commemoration, which kicks off the Keti Koti festival, will take place Friday at the National Slavery Memorial in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark. The emotional memorial will be followed by a day of music and celebration. A parade, live music and entertainment are scheduled to take place in the park until late afternoon. 

Last year’s Keti Koti festival attracted 35,000 visitors.

(lo/nc)

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