Keti Koti 2025: Bigi Spikri begins with breakfast at Dutch National Opera & Ballet
On Tuesday 1 July, it’s Keti Koti: the annual commemoration and celebration of the abolition of slavery. That morning, the opening programme of the Bigi Spikri parade takes place at Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Participants are welcome for breakfast and a short cultural programme, before the parade forms and sets off.
The Bigi Spikri is a festive and colourful parade that commemorates and celebrates the abolition of slavery. ‘Bigi Spikri’ is a Surinamese expression meaning “big mirror”. It refers to a tradition in Paramaribo, where people dressed in festive attire would parade past shop windows, admiring their reflection in the glass. That tradition of groups dressed in traditional clothing continues in the Netherlands, with an annual parade in Amsterdam leading up to the programme in the Oosterpark.
Morning programme at Dutch National Opera & Ballet
The doors open at 9:15, and from then on a vegan breakfast will be available for participants. A total of 1,500 breakfasts will be available, while supplies last. During breakfast and the lead-up to the parade, three acoustic performances will take place in the foyer: the brass choir Tradocaz, the comedy duo Den Boi fu a Birti (The boys from the neighbourhood), and the Winti vocal group Asago. Children, and anyone who wishes, can leave a message or drawing using chalk markers on specially prepared windows in the building.
From 10:30, the parade will begin to assemble outside the building on the Waterlooplein. At 10:45, the procession sets off for the Oosterpark, where the Keti Koti programme continues at the National Monument to the History of Slavery.
More information and registration
Would you like to take part in the Bigi Spikri parade or learn more about the programme? You can find all the practical details and registration options via the link below.
