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.
Hosted by DCTVDiaspora Voices Festival
One community, many stories - celebrating the diaspora in the Netherlands
An event by Diaspora Community Television - proudly promoted by Diaspora Community TV.
A festive afternoon in the heart of The Hague where the diaspora comes together to share culture, food and stories. Join DCTV in Zuiderpark for the first Diaspora Voices Festival - a warm, family-friendly celebration of music, dance, dialogue and community across the Netherlands.
Free workshops - sign up now
Live music & dance
A lineup of diaspora artists, drummers and dancers on the main stage, with open dance sessions for all ages.
Storytelling stage (free)
Community members share their journeys, from arrival to belonging, in short live talks recorded for DCTV.
Free entry
The festival is free and open to everyone. No registration needed - just come and join the celebration.
Food & market
Food stalls serving African, Caribbean, Asian and international dishes, plus a small market of diaspora makers and entrepreneurs.
Family friendly
A dedicated kids corner with games, crafts and activities so the whole family can take part.
Photo & video
Photos and videos will be taken during the event for DCTV communication. By entering, you agree you may appear in these recordings.
Getting there
Zuiderpark is easily reached by tram and bus. We recommend public transport or bicycle, with cycle parking available at the park entrances.
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 Stanley Ikechukwu Nwabueze, Diaspora Business Desk (China) - following the deals, delegations and trends that matter to our communities.
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