-
Connecting People
6 September | Esplanade | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate life together in Almere at the Connecting People festival. On Saturday 6 September 2025, the Esplanade will be the stage for an unforgettable day filled with music, food, and activities for all ages. This festival is a celebration of Almere and its people.
At 12:30 PM, the festive and colorful parade will depart from the Esplanade and make its way through the city center. Be surprised by the cheerful music, lively dancing, and beautiful costumes. Around 2:00 PM, the parade will return to the Esplanade, where the celebration continues.
On two stages, enjoy music and dance from all over the world – from upbeat rhythms to swinging melodies. Browse the market stalls for unique trinkets and treasures from across the globe. For young and old alike, there are free workshops where you can try something new or get creative.
At the food corner, sample dishes from different countries, all prepared with passion and flavour. And for those who want to get active, wheelchair basketball are open for everyone to join.
Come along, meet new people, and experience a day where cultures come together!
Parade
Join the Parade during Connecting People on September 6th! We will depart from the Esplanade at 12:30 PM and return at 2:00 PM, after which you can continue to enjoy various activities and music until 5:00 PM.
During this special event, individuals will celebrate their diverse backgrounds and identities.
Stage 1 - In front of Kunstlinie
| Time | Act | Description |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Presentor Jonathan Baij | Presentor stage 1 |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Sign language interpreter Cora van Pelt | Sign language interpreter |
| 12.00 - 12.15 | ProudToBeNative | Indigenous singing and dance group |
| 12.15 - 12.50 | DJ T-One | Music during parade departure |
| 12.55 - 13.20 | Limin Sichi Yang & Chinese guzheng | Chinese singing and guzheng sounds |
| 13.30 - 13.45 | Bollywood dance group Desi Rhythms | Hindustani dance |
| 14.00 - 14.45 | Top Almere | Dutch songs from the past |
| 14.55 - 15.10 | Thai Isaan | Thai dance group |
| 15.25 - 16.25 | B-Latina | Latin American dance music |
| 16.25 - 16.30 | Alderman Maaike Veeningen | Closing by Maaike Veeningen |
| 16.30 - 17.00 | Performance by Draq Queen Ashley Knight | Musical show Draq Queen |
Stage 2 - Near the city beach
| Time | Act | Description |
| 12.00 - 12.15 | Theater group Mooi - Je BAND Mooi | Musical performance by ZorgSamen group |
| 12.35 - 12.50 | Bollywood dance group Desi Rhythms | Hindustani dance |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | InnerCircle - Rap & Roer | Musical performance by singers |
| 13.40 - 13.45 | Shravanti Sushanth | Singing by a 10 year old Indian girl |
| 13.45 - 14.40 | Latin American dance with Liana | Dance workshop: bachata, salsa, merengue |
| 14.25 - 14.55 | Amy Rose & dancers | Singing and dancing show |
| 14.50 - 15.25 | Alberto Zarraga - Mexican troubadourq | Mexican music with singer & guitar |
| 15.35 - 15.50 | Thai Isaan | Thai dance group |
| 15.55 - 16.10 | Dance with La Regia de Mexico | Mexican dance |
| 16.15 - 16.30 | Angolan dance with Estella | Angolan African dance |
| 16.35 - 17.00 | Kawinagroup The Shiritio's | African percussion and singing |
Activities & Workshops
| Time | Act | Description |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Information desk | Find the full program here |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Quiet space in Kunstlinie hall | Need a break from overstimulation? Come and rest! |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Bouncy castles & tradtional Dutch games | Fun for kids |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Henna Tattoos | Free henna tattoos |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Caravan "Het Liedjes Café" | Create your own interactive song |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Wheelchair basketball | Join in, with or without a wheelchair |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Sign language workshop | Learn to communicate with your hands |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | InformZIEstand Expeditie Ribbelroute | Experience how it is to be visually impaired |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Face painting for kids | Beautiful artworks on your face |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Circle workshop - Huis van Vrede | Sign up via info@huisvanvrede.nl |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Workshop "Color in Culture" | Make your own creative keepsake |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Live painting & painting workshop | With artist Luna Nguyen |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Graffiti art with Roy van de Boogaard | Colorful, interactive street art |
| 12.00 - 17.00 | Youth Café Podcast | Interesting interviews, chats and music |
| 14.00 - 17.00 | Weaving workshop Sayuna | With Atelier Aymara, ancestral weaving techniques |
| 14.00 - 17.00 | Ceramics workshop - T 'Anta Wawas | Paint little faces on ceramics |
| 15.00 - 17.00 | Workshop "dolls from around the world" | Pick a fabric and make a doll from your country |
Market booths - 12.00 - 17.00 uur
Anyone who enjoys browsing stalls with various knick-knacks, interesting trivia, and information about different countries and cultures will find Connecting People to be the perfect destination. On this day, the Esplanade is the ideal place to leisurely explore and learn about the diverse cultures that Almere has to offer, as well as to purchase the most delicious and varied snacks from different countries.
Foodtrucks
Enjoy coffee, pastries, and sweet treats such as shaved ice and strawberries with chocolate. Taste Surinamese snacks, bara, Indonesian, Colombian, African, and Antillean dishes. Or go for a classic at the poffertjes stand.
A culinary world trip in just one day!
Accessibility
At Connecting People, inclusivity is at the heart of the event, aiming to make everyone feel welcome and able to fully enjoy themselves. Accessible restrooms can be found at Strand 22 and Flevoburen (in the Flevo Hospital). A sensory-friendly space in Kunstlinie provides a peaceful and comfortable environment for those seeking a relaxed setting.
Would you like to attend and do you need a facility that hasn't been mentioned yet? Let us know! We will then explore together what's possible. You can get in touch via diversiteiteninclusie@almere.nl.
