Amsterdam slavery abolition celebration returns to July 1

The commeration of Dutch slavery and celebration of its abolition will be held on July 1st again next year. June 30th will become the National Day of Reflectioin, the national institute for Dutch slavery history NiNsee and national resistance movement "Say No to NiNsee" agreed on Wednesday, NU.nl. reports.

In the past the Netherlands always commemorated the slavery history on July 1st, followed by a celebration of its abolition. Last year NiNsee decided to split the two, resulting in the commemoration being held on June 30th this year and the celebration on July 1st. But not everyone was pleased with this decision.

This year's commemoration in Amsterdam's Oosterpark was disrupted by protesters, who expressed their displeasure by blowing on whistles, shouting and beating on drums. The speeches were also interrupted.

This compromise only applies to next year's commemoration. The two organizations will continue to discuss how to handle future commemorations.