Diabetes Fund hosts New York Mini Marathon in Rotterdam on 13 May, inviting runners and walkers to raise funds and awareness for diabetes research.

On Saturday, 13 May 2023, the New York Mini Marathon takes place in Rotterdam, an event organised by the Diabetes Fund. New to this fifth anniversary edition is the participation of walkers. The goal is to raise awareness of diabetes and to collect funds for research. This is urgently needed, as 1.2 million Dutch people have diabetes, with a thousand added weekly. A life free from diabetes is the dream.

Experience “New York” for a day

Participants will experience the atmosphere of New York for a day, running or walking among skyscrapers, along the Maas River, and across the Erasmus Bridge. Along the route, cheerleaders and a gospel choir will offer encouragement. The festival site is set to feature food trucks, a DJ playing catchy tunes, and a performance by local Dutch Sinatra-style musician Lee Towers as the closing act.

Running and walking distances

The New York Mini Marathon is open to all, with the option to participate individually or as part of a team. Various distances are available for runners: 4.2 km, 10.5 km, or 21 km, while the walking route spans 5 km. Designed specifically for children aged four to twelve, the Kidsrun comprises a 420-metre course with an array of obstacles and games.

It should be noted that the New York Mini Marathon is not an official race; there will be no time registration, and the route will not be fully closed. Instead, volunteers will be on hand to mark the route and provide directions.

Taking action for diabetes

By participating in running or walking events, individuals actively contribute to the fight against diabetes. The objective is to amass as much funding as possible for research aimed at preventing, improving treatment, and ultimately curing diabetes.

Diena Halbertsma, director of the Diabetes Fund, has expressed that a life without diabetes is the shared dream of those affected by the condition and their loved ones. The impact of diabetes on a person's life is profound, as the disease necessitates continuous management and heightens the risk of additional health complications such as eye, nerve, and kidney damage.

The funds garnered through the New York Mini Marathon are intended to enhance the quality of life for those living with diabetes, and the director has voiced her pride in the many individuals who have chosen to support this cause by running or walking in solidarity.

Registration New York Mini Marathon Rotterdam

Register for the New York Mini Marathon at newyorkminimarathon.nl. Runners pay a €29.50 registration fee, while the Kidsrun costs €22.50. Walkers pay €20 as an adult and €10 as a child.

Rotterdam has a large Muslim community, and Ramadan is an important month for many Muslims living in the city. Find out what Ramadan is all about and how you can take part in the tradition. 

When is Ramadan in Rotterdam?

The start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon. In Rotterdam, Ramadan 2025 will likely start at sunset on Friday, February 28th 2025, and end on the evening of Saturday, March 29th 2025. If the new moon isn't sighted, Ramadan may actually start a day later. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims observe fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. It is seen as a way to purify the body and soul and to focus on spiritual discipline and devotion. Muslims also increase their recitation of the Quran and engage in additional prayers during the month, particularly at night, in a practice known as Taraweeh.

Ramadan is also a time of increased charitable giving and community service, with Muslims encouraged to donate to charity and help those in need. It is also a time of increased family and community gatherings, with special meals being prepared for breaking the fast each evening.

The end of Ramadan is marked by a holiday called Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated with special prayers, family gatherings, and feasting. Overall, Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, increased devotion, and community connection for Muslims around the world.

What food is eaten during Ramadan?

The food that is traditionally eaten during Ramadan in Rotterdam can vary depending on cultural and regional traditions. However, there are some common foods and dishes that are often served during the month:

• Dates: Eating dates to break the fast is a common practice during Ramadan in Rotterdam, as well as in other parts of the Muslim world.
• Harira: This is a hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and sometimes meat, and is often served as the first course of the evening meal during Ramadan.
• Sambousek: These are small savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and are often served as appetizers during Ramadan.
• Kibbeh: These are deep-fried balls made of bulgur wheat, ground meat, and spices.
• Falafel: These are small, deep-fried balls made of ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, often served with tahini sauce.
• Baklava: This is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweet syrup.
• Qatayef: These are small, sweet pastries filled with cheese or nuts and are often served for dessert during Ramadan.

In addition to these traditional foods, many Muslims in Rotterdam also enjoy international cuisine during Ramadan, such as Turkish, Moroccan, and Pakistani dishes. In essence, the food served at Iftar in Rotterdam reflects the diverse cultural and culinary traditions of the Muslim community in the city.

Differences and similarities between Ramadan and Christmas

Christmas and Ramadan are both religious observances that are celebrated by different faith communities around the world, but there are some key similarities and differences between the two:

Similarities:

• Both Christmas and Ramadan are times of spiritual reflection and renewal for their respective communities.
• Both holidays involve acts of giving and generosity. Christmas is associated with gift-giving, while Ramadan emphasizes charitable giving and acts of kindness.
• Both holidays bring families and communities together. In many cultures, Christmas and Ramadan are times for gathering with loved ones and sharing meals.

Differences:

• Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, while Ramadan is an Islamic observance that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
• Christmas is typically celebrated on December 25th, while Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• While Christmas is usually celebrated with festive decorations and music, Ramadan is typically observed with more subdued and contemplative practices, such as fasting and prayer.
• Christmas is a one-day holiday, while Ramadan lasts for a full month.

How to celebrate Ramadan in Rotterdam

Regardless of whether you are Muslim or not, if you are in Rotterdam and want to celebrate Ramadan or engage with the local Muslim community, there are several ways to do so:

Join a local mosque
Rotterdam has several mosques that host special Ramadan events, including communal prayers, iftar (the breaking of the fast), and Taraweeh (special night prayers). Joining a local mosque can be a great way to connect with the Muslim community and participate in Ramadan activities.

Attend an iftar event
Many organizations and community groups in Rotterdam host iftar dinners during Ramadan. These events are often open to the public and provide an opportunity to break the fast with others while learning more about Ramadan and Islam.

Give to charity
Ramadan is a time of giving and charity in Islam. Consider donating to a local charity or volunteering your time to help those in need.

Read the Quran
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Consider reading the Quran or attending a Quran study group to deepen your understanding of Islam.

Share the spirit of Ramadan:
Finally, consider sharing the spirit of Ramadan with your Muslim friends and neighbours in Rotterdam. Greet people with "Ramadan Kareem" (a blessed Ramadan) or share a special Ramadan treat with someone you know.

Restaurants hosting Iftar dinners

In recent years, Rotterdam has also seen an increase in the number of businesses and organizations that cater to Muslims during Ramadan. Some restaurants offer special iftar menus, and there are even mobile apps that help Muslims in Rotterdam locate the nearest mosque for prayer times and iftar events.

You might need to ask around or keep an eye out for these dinners and events, as they are usually announced without much fanfare.

Blijdorp Festival Rotterdam 📷 Blijdorp Festival

Blijdorp Festival artist line-up

Blijdorp Festival sounds like:

Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.

Blijdorp Festival aftermovie

Location: Roel Langerakpark

^{📷 Gyz La Riviere, New Neapolis, 2020, TENT Rotterdam. Photographer: Aad Hoogendoorn}

Art Central Rotterdam XL presents Art Weekend Rotterdam. More than 30 art spaces and institutions join forces to put Rotterdam in the spotlight of contemporary art.

The third weekend of March, Art Central Rotterdam XL celebrates its second edition where more than 30 art spaces and art institutions open their exhibitions with extended opening hours, to offer a full programme of activities open to the public free of charge. With a map and map, the Art Weekend guides the general public past contemporary art in all parts of the city. Art Central Rotterdam XL aims to strengthen Rotterdam's artistic scene not only nationally, but also internationally. The entire programme and route during the weekend can be found on the Art Central Rotterdam website.

From Friday 17 March to Sunday 19 March, there will be a rich programme of activities and tours throughout Rotterdam. What to see? Lots of work by young and established artists in exhibitions ranging from avant-garde to contemporary art with installations, painting, photography and sculpture.

Art spaces like the Huidenclub, Garage Rotterdam, Kunstinstituut Melly, as well as galleries like Root Gallery, Frank Taal and Neck of the Woods will present a special programme of events and tours that weekend. Thus, it is possible to book a guided tour and go out with an experienced art guide. 
 

Central exhibition at Baanhof

As a shining centrepiece, newcomer to Rotterdam's art scene, Baanhof, will host the central exhibition 'SUBJECT: TRANSITION'. Curated by curator Anna Buyvid with artworks from all art spaces, the exhibition aims to reflect on transitions in the broadest sense. "We are in a time strongly defined by the phenomenon of 'transitions': social, cultural, political, ecological. How do artists deal with these transition(s)? I want to create a space for a discussion in the context of the city of Rotterdam and its history and how this in turn relates to the future."

On 17 March from 20:00 - 01:00, the exhibition at Baanhof will be festively opened. During Art Central Rotterdam XL Art Weekend, Baanhof will be the home base where both the opening and the central exhibition SUBJECT: TRANSITION will take place.

Baanhof is a special location in the heart of Rotterdam. After being out of use for 30 years, it has been renovated inside and brought back into use by Studio Robert van Oosterom. The building has several floors, all with their own character and function. Absolute highlight is the floor with the collection of art and (design) furniture, which - like all other spaces - can be booked for special occasions.

About Art Central Rotterdam XL

The concept Art Central Rotterdam XL is an initiative of Muriel Mager (Contour Gallery) and Kiki Petratou (JOEY RAMONE) with the aim of positioning and growing the weekend into one of the most important art weekends worldwide with a large number of visitors. During the first edition in 2022, more than 3,000 visitors attended the try-out with as many as 30 venues. After this successful first edition in collaboration with Erika Vati of Art Index Rotterdam, Muriel and Kiki developed the desire and vision to make it an annual event where delivering quality and embracing diversity are important core values.

Participating art spaces and art institutions this edition are:

Kunstinstituut Melly, TENT, WORM, MAMA, Roodkapje, A Tale of A Tub, Garage Rotterdam, Goethe-Institut Rotterdam, Christian Ouwens Gallery, Chrysalid Gallery, Contour Gallery, JOEY RAMONE, PHOEBUS Rotterdam, Root Gallery, Frank Taal, Zerp Gallery, ROOF-A, Huidenclub, PrintRoom, Studio Seine, Murals Inc, Galerie Atelier Herenplaats, OMI, Rib, Shimmer, Nieuw Charlois, EYE LOVE YOU Art Space, H(a)L in Het Archief, Neck of the Woods, Baanhof.