HAPPENING 15 March 2025 | Holi-Phagwa, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu spring festival that is primarily celebrated in India and Nepal. However, it is also celebrated by Hindu communities around the world, including in Rotterdam.
What is Holi?
During the Holi festival, people throw brightly coloured powder at each other and apply it to each other. The differences between religion or origin are no longer visible (since everyone is coloured by all the colours of the powder); societal boundaries between social classes, young and old, rich or poor, disappear. On this one day, all people are equal. Cultural richness, joy, mutual respect, and tolerance make the Holi festival unforgettable every year.
Holi festival in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, you need to be at the Zuiderpark for the APLNA Holi Colour Sensation event. In addition to powder cannons and food trucks, there are all kinds of cool performances. The entire event is free to attend, and you do not need to arrange an entrance ticket in advance. Moreover, the coloured powder is sold on the festival grounds.
When is the next APNA Holi Colour Sensation festival?
Rotterdam’s biggest Holi festival is making a grand return with Apna Holi Colour Sensation, promising two days of vibrant celebrations, music, and cultural festivities. The festival kicks off with the traditional Holika Dahan on Thursday, 13 March, followed by the main event, Apna Holi Colour Sensation, on Saturday, 15 March.
This year’s festivities will be opened in spectacular fashion by Selectabeats Showband, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. With an exciting lineup of artists, Holi cannons, colour powder sales, delicious food, and special activities for children, the event welcomes visitors of all ages to join in the celebrations.
Event details
📅 Thursday, 13 March 2025
📍 Spartapark-Oost, Rotterdam
⏰ 18:00 – 21:00
🪔 Holika Dahan Ceremony
📅 Saturday, 15 March 2025
📍 Zuiderpark, Rotterdam
⏰ 15:00 – 22:00
🎶 Apna Holi Colour Sensation
Admission is free, and the organisers encourage everyone to bring their friends and family to experience the joy and colours of Holi.
Apna Holi Colour Sensation is made possible with the support of Gemeente Rotterdam, Rotterdam Festivals, and the neighbourhood councils of Carnisse-Zuidplein-Zuiderpark, Pendrecht-Zuidwijk, Charlois, and IJsselmonde, as well as AmorFM and other partners.
APNA
For the most accurate information regarding the festival date, it is best to check out the APNA Facebook page. APNA is a social Hindu umbrella organization in the Rotterdam area. They have been committed for many decades to the preservation of social values and cultural diversity.
Festival location
The annual Holi Colour Sensation festival takes place at Zuiderpark in Rotterdam Zuid.
