Over half a million people expected to take part in National Neighbor Day

Hundreds of thousands of people will participate in the annual National Neighbor Day on Saturday. More than 9,200 activities are planned all across the Netherlands for the 19th edition of the event. The organizers of the National Neighbor Day said that this is a record number of activities. The number of activities on the day was around 8,000 for the last two years, with 2021 having 6,300 activities.

National Neighbor Day usually consists of people hosting barbecues, baking cakes, cleaning a garden together, or playing games in their neighborhood. Although Saturday is the official National Neighbor Day, there are also activities on Friday and Sunday.

Almost 550,000 participants are expected to attend this year. Neighborhoods can request a financial contribution for the initiatives. Free National Neighbor Day packages containing a poster, invitation cards, and coffee have also been sent.

“This number of registrations is unique,” said Kathelijne Malcontent of coffee manufacturer Douwe Egberts, who organizes the neighbor day with the Oranje Fonds to increase neighborhood cohesion.

According to Sandra Jetten of the Oranje Fonds, the effect of the neighbor day lasts for six months. More than half of the neighbors stay in contact with each other after participating in the event, she said.

The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) organizes the so-called open asylum seekers' center every year on this day. Many reception centers for asylum seekers will open their doors on Saturday. Tours and workshops will also be given.