Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse
CONSUL-GENERAL-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMME 2025
Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse
13 March 2025 (Thu)
Podium, Level 3, Academic and Administration Building, HKBU
Fiesta Celebration and Street Parade (Opening Ceremony) | 12:30 - 13:30
Gala Funhouse | 13:30 - 17:00
Embark on the Netherlands Funhouse
Let us reimagine the familiar Netherlands on campus and dive deep into the Dutch gezellig way of life – a spirit of shared joy and coziness. You’ll be enveloped in a sea of orange as we recreate the festive atmosphere of King’s Day, complete with lively volksdans, and the UNESCO Corso Culture, where the enchanting melodies of the draaiorgel fill the air.
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Oranje - A Corsocultuur spectacle you don’t want to miss
Endorsed by UNESCO, a corso is a street parade that embodies Dutch creativity and community spirit. These parades take place on streets or rivers, often accompanied by bands and theatre performances. Entire neighbourhoods spend months preparing floats adorned with flowers, fruits and lights, which glide through the streets to the rhythm of music and dance, inviting you to feel the fun and heartbeat of Dutch culture. An essential part of the corso is the sense of social cohesion it fosters – from sharing meals and drinks after working on the floats to organizing regular parties, these gatherings strengthen community bonds and are often the main motivation for participation.
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Koningsdag - an orange-filled national holiday
King’s Day is a jubilant celebration of the reigning monarch’s birthday, dating back to 1885. Originally held on the last day of the school holidays, it became a national event by 1902, uniting the country in festive joy and pride. Today, streets in every city come alive with music, street parties and flea markets selling second-hand items and homemade treats. The colour orange, symbolising the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, turns every corner into a festive spectacle.
