events (calendar) - RotterdamStyle.com

Ramadan in Rotterdam - dates, activities, information

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 13 March 2023

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 - location, date, artist line-up

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 09 March 2023

Blijdorp Festival is a curious mix of music, art, and happiness. The event goes down in winter as well in summer. The summer edition is the bigger and bolder version and takes place in Rotterdam's Roel Langerakpark.

The event features various areas with different genres, including a “full size” techno stage in and around the park's trees and lake. Each year, the festival organisers and attendees take pride in finding innovative ways to leave smaller eco-footprints.

The next edition of the Blijdorp Festival takes place on Saturday, 12 August 2023.

Blijdorp Festival Rotterdam 📷 Blijdorp Festival

Blijdorp Festival artist line-up

In 2023, festival-goers will go wild across 6 stages with Speedy J & ROD, Goldband, Moxie & Bella, David Vunk, Full Crate (live), DJ Tennis, Sticks, among others.

Blijdorp Festival sounds like:

Check out the Spotify playlist below and have a listen.

Blijdorp Festival aftermovie

Location: Roel Langerakpark

Upstream Rotterdam: gathering of top entrepreneurs & talent

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 02 March 2023

Entrepreneurship

At Upstream, the Rotterdam Metropolitan area transforms into a place where startups, scale-ups, investors, corporates, policymakers, and students come together to make a positive impact on the world. Upstream aims to enable innovations that will drive the transition to the next economy; an economy that is digital, carbon-neutral, circular and inclusive.

What is Upstream Rotterdam?

Upstream is a three-day event, co-created with over 40 partners dedicated to supporting the growth of companies committed to accelerating the transition to a future-proof economy that is digital, carbon-neutral, circular, and inclusive. The festival gives its attendees access to an international ecosystem of talent, funding, markets, and exposure opportunities. As changemakers from different backgrounds and industries come together to leverage their innovations, they highlight the position of the Greater Rotterdam Metropolitan Area as a fast-evolving tech environment for businesses to grow.

The next edition of Upstream Rotterdam takes place on 23-25 May 2023.

3 days, 40 co-creators, and countless reasons to join

Every year, Upstream invites the Dutch innovation community, as well as international corporations and investors, resulting in over 45 different events happening throughout the festival. Past editions attracted over 2000 attendees. Every edition of Upstream Festival continues the tradition of aligning its core events around three themes: talent, capital, and growth.

"The three speakers are among the most inspiring and progressive professionals in the Netherlands and draw a large number of applications from entrepreneurs and top talent. The three-day event is therefore a hotspot of influential entrepreneurs; capital investments are attracted, startups are formed, and valuable connections are made," says Lars Crama, private lead Upstream

Lars Crama at Upstream Festival Rotterdam 📷 Bart Heemskerk

Upstream 2023 details

Starting with Talent Day on May 23rd, city events, career fairs, coding challenges, and other networking events will be an invaluable opportunity for startups, scale-ups, and talent to meet each other.

On Capital Day the program will revolve around connecting startups and scale-ups with leading (inter)national investors.

The festival will close with a focus on Growth, on May 25th. During this last day, innovative SMEs, corporate partners, startups, and scale-ups will connect to create solutions for a future-proof economy.

Kidsstock family festival Rotterdam - dates, artists, info

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 28 February 2023

Kidsstock is a family festival with workshops, performances, and food court. The event takes place every summer at the Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam.

Attend performances by popular singers and illusionists. Dance together to the best house classics, or rather bump into your friends in bumper cars? It's all possible on at the Kidsstock family festival. The Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam will be the setting for a day full of entertainment for young and old. Think of a unique programme spread over several stages, with music being the common thread.

The next Kidsstock event takes place on Sunday, 11 June 2023 at Kralingse Plas, Rotterdam, from 13:00 to 20:00. Tickets are required for entry. A ticket for children over 6 and adults costs €25 each, for children aged 3 to 6 years a ticket costs €12.50 and children under 3 can join their parents for free.

What to expect at Kidsstock 2023?

The Kralingse Plas in Rotterdam will be the setting for a day full of entertainment for young and old. Think of a unique programme spread over several stages, with music being the common thread. The acts range from the iconic band VOF de Kunst to Bankzitters (known from YouTube) and duo performances by top Dutch DJs with their kids.

DJ Michel de Hey performing with daughter LouLou. Credit: Yvette de Wit

And also be sure to take a stroll to be surprised by a special mix of walking theatre and entertainment. Or join one of the many workshops where crafts and new skills are taught. Of course, there will also be plenty of goodies to eat at the food trucks on the day, such as poffertjes or pizzas, and for parents there will be a fine wine bar with a varied selection.

A food truck at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de Wit

Besides dancing to the finest house classics, the kids can also get to work themselves at the craft square led by the duo Klieder en Klodder. From making a musical instrument to designing and making a hat or your own Kidsstock bag, it's all possible here. The little ones can colour and listen to a story by Hakim Traïdia (known from Sesame Street). Of course, there is also plenty of room for craziness and magic. Like Bubblica's enchanting soap bubble show and Turbo Touw Tornado's giant rope-jumping machine. Or how about a happy, flirty old-timer handing out sweets or a (robot) monkey that can ride a motorbike.

Kids participating in creative workshops at Kidsstock. Credit: Yvette de Wit

The organizers behind Kidsstock

Kidsstock is a co-creation of four fathers and their seven children. The dads are no strangers to the festival world; they are also behind Boothstock and used to conceive and run the Dance Parade. "Our kids comment on everything. Everything we come up with has to be better, more fun and wilder from them. Then we decided they should organise a festival themselves. That's how this youth advisory board came about. From the name to the programming, the children have determined what this festival looks like," says the organisers.

For more information about the programme and conditions, take a look at the Kidsstock website.

Art Weekend Rotterdam - dates, info, locations

Bryan van Putten events (calendar) 18 February 2023

^{📷 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.