Where the community comes together
Celebrations, commemorations and gatherings — from community celebrations in The Hague to diaspora festivals and global trade fairs. We shine a light on the people and organisations bringing our communities together.
Presented by Stichting Africa LifeFreedom Eve The Hague
Living in freedom is your human right — no one is inferior
An event by Stichting Africa Life — proudly promoted by Diaspora Community TV.
A day where we celebrate freedom, being yourself, and togetherness. Join us at Amare for the fourth edition of Freedom Eve The Hague — a warm, festive and unforgettable afternoon of workshops, music, food and community.
Free workshops — sign up now
Djembé workshop (free)
An energetic and unforgettable djembé session with drum master Mandiaye Mboup. Open to everyone — young, old, beginner or advanced.
Salsa workshop (free)
Led by top instructor Windert Kastaneer, two-time Dutch Salsa Champion. Swinging salsa & merengue for all ages.
Sign up for workshops
Want to be sure of a spot? Send an email to africalifestichting@gmail.com. First come, first served!
Catering
Delicious African food lovingly prepared by Kate Kitchens. Healthy, flavorful and affordable — West Africa on your plate.
Photo & video
Photos and videos will be taken during the event for communication purposes. By entering, you agree that you may appear in these recordings.
Interviews
Visitors may be interviewed for event reporting. Your privacy comes first — we always ask for permission before recording.
Accessibility
Amare is located next to City Hall. Paid parking applies in the city centre, so we recommend coming by public transport or bicycle. Bicycle parking is directly at City Hall.
Local & international events
Local · AmsterdamKeti Koti Festival
Breaking the chains — honouring freedom and heritage
Keti Koti — Surinamese for "the chains are broken" — marks the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies on 1 July 1863. Each year the diaspora gathers, most visibly in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark by the National Slavery Monument, to remember, reflect and celebrate freedom with music, food, dance and the traditional Bigi Spikri procession.
Commemoration
A national ceremony is held at the National Slavery Monument in the Oosterpark, with wreath-laying and reflection on history and its legacy today.
Celebration
Live music, spoken word, traditional dress (koto), food stalls and the Keti Koti Table dialogues bring the community together across generations.
Why it matters
For the diaspora in the Netherlands, Keti Koti is both remembrance and renewal — a shared affirmation that freedom and dignity belong to everyone.
International · Guangzhou, ChinaCanton Fair
China Import and Export Fair
Where global trade meets the diaspora
Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the Canton Fair is one of the world’s largest trade fairs, drawing buyers and exhibitors from across the globe. For diaspora entrepreneurs and traders, it is a gateway to sourcing, partnerships and investment — and a key date on the DCTV China desk calendar.
Three phases
The fair runs in three themed phases covering electronics and machinery, consumer goods and home, and textiles, food and health — spanning tens of thousands of exhibitors.
For the diaspora
African and global diaspora businesspeople use the fair to build supply chains, meet manufacturers and explore import-export opportunities back home.
DCTV coverage
Our China desk follows the fair for stories on diaspora enterprise, trade trends and the people building community wealth across borders.
International · Beijing, ChinaCIFTIS 2026
China International Fair for Trade in Services
Where the world trades in services — and the diaspora finds new opportunity
CIFTIS is Beijing’s flagship, state-level fair for trade in services — spanning business services, finance, education, tourism, telecoms, digital trade and AI. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal Government, it draws Fortune 500 firms and delegates from around the world, making it a key date for diaspora professionals exploring services, investment and partnerships with China.
Twelve service sectors
The fair brings together more than ten exhibitions across 12 sectors — from financial and business services to culture, healthcare, digital trade and emerging technology.
For the diaspora
Beyond goods, CIFTIS is where diaspora entrepreneurs can pitch services, education, creative industries and investment opportunities — and build two-way partnerships with Chinese counterparts.
DCTV coverage
Reported for DCTV by Daniel Udemba Tochukwu, Diaspora Business Desk (China) — following the deals, delegations and trends that matter to our communities.
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