Keti Koti, which literally means Broken Chains, consists of the two parts commemoration and celebration, similar to 4th and 5th of May The commemoration takes place on June 30th at the Lloydkade in Rotterdam and the celebration on 1st of July. On that date, the Emancipation Act came into force in 1863 and slavery was abolished.

It is important to realise that although slavery was abolished on 1 July 1863, enslaved people still had to continue working on the plantations for 10 years as compensation to the plantation owners. Therefore, true freedom has only existed since 1873.

Keti Koti is a celebration of the freedom of the descendants of enslaved people, but also a commemoration of those who suffered from slavery. It is a time when black identity is proudly celebrated, with costumes, music and customs taking centre stage.

It is a time to honour ancestors and resistance heroes like Tula, Boni and MaPensa. It reminds us that slavery was a system where African people were stripped of their identity and culture and forced to work in degrading conditions without freedom. At the same time, Keti Koti also calls attention to the effects of inequality in the Netherlands today.

As a knowledge institution, it is important to raise awareness around Keti Koti to know, acknowledge and commemorate the history of slavery. After all, Keti Koti is not just something for people of colour, but something of all of us as part of Dutch history. By learning from the past, we can work towards a better future for all.

Keep up to date with Keti Koti at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

There are several free activities organised by INCLUDED where students and staff can learn more about lesser-known Dutch history in an informal way. You can register for these activities on the landing page Celebrate Keti Koti, Celebrate Freedom at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.