13th edition of Amsterdam Light Festival kicks off tonight
The 13th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival kicks off this evening with the theme “Rituals.” This year, the festival consists of 27 unique artworks made of lights and the Light Garden in the Hoftuin with several events.
“Amsterdam Light Festival has been an annual tradition for over 12 years, illuminating the city during the darkest months of the year,” the organizers said, calling this edition extra special because it coincides with Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. “What better way to add sparkle to this festive occasion than with a ritual?”
According to the organizers, rituals have always been connected with transformations, marking the transition from winter to summer, youth to adulthood, past to present, among many others. And light plays a crucial role in many rituals. “We use fireworks to ring in the new year, candles to commemorate, and midsummer fires to welcome the solstice. Light adds something mystical and sacred to a ritual like no other element can.”
The 27 unique light artworks can be admired from the water or the land from today until January 19. The lights turn on at 5:00 p.m. and will turn off at 10:00 p.m. from Sunday to Tuesday and 11:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. During the Christmas holidays, the lights are on every day until 11:00 p.m. The festival is closed on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets are available here.
