I usually don't like to go to festivals, personally don't prefer it if I don't find anything significant to see or enjoy. For me festival events are chaotic but I know for many, they are interesting. In the Netherlands especially in Amsterdam, there are always festival events. People all over the world also come to Amsterdam to join or attend these events and I avoid these events no matter whether entry is free or not. I know I am kind of a boring person but like I said, if I don't like something, I don't go there or avoid going there.
Around 2 weeks ago, I came to know about a festival from an Indian called "Embassy Festival". Before talking about what this festival is all about with that Indian, I started checking the internet for more information. I didn't ask for more information from that individual because I didn't know her, she was talking randomly to one of her friends. So, basically, I heard about this festival from their gossip. Actually, if it was about a random festival, I wouldn't pay attention to it but the Embassy word and listening about a festival from an Indian made me curious.
Basically, every year in Den Haag, Embassies from different countries celebrate their cultures and showcase the richness of the cultures, products, and traditions. This kind of festival always attracts me where I can get to know and be introduced to the different cultures and traditions all at once.
Embassy Festival, 2023 in The Hague
More than 50 countries all over the world participate in this vibrant event and showcase their products, culture, traditions, and foods. Of course, traditional dance, and live music from different countries can be enjoyed as well. Where people spend thousands of dollars to visit a country to know culture and tradition, I was getting all of that in Den Haag in a day. Not only it was an opportunity for me to get to know people from different countries, but also I was able to taste delicious cuisines and enjoy the music as well.
I had marked my calendar before the event because I wanted to go to the festival and didn't want to miss it by any chance. The festival location was at Lange Voorhout in Den Haag; almost 2 hours of train and tram travel from my city. Finally, the day arrived and I reached the festival location before lunch. The festival was in a park, the location was beautiful indeed. Obviously, a lot of people were there and I was surprised to see how Dutch/ Netherlands people were enjoying the festival. Because in my opinion, the current generation is not fascinated by this type of festival because they prefer music festivals or rave, beach parties. I am talking about Gen Z.
It was a hot day but because of the location, it didn't feel hot at all. I was not so sure where to start because there was no entrance so I just picked a side and started seeing the shops and stalls. The entrance was free and this festival was open to everyone. The crowd was huge and most of the people were walking and exploring the shops while eating their food. It was interesting because I cannot do multiple tasks like this. When I want to eat, I definitely look for a sitting area before eating. I cannot walk while eating food.
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My curious mind told me to visit the Ukrainian food stall and shop first after all I am here in the Netherlands from Ukraine. So, this festival was organized by all the Embassies located in the Hague so I knew Ukraine would be participating as well. I think the biggest crowd I have seen was in front of the Ukrainian Food Stall. The queue was huge and I felt like all the people who came to the festival wanted to try Ukrainian Borsch (soup) and varenyky (Stuffed Dumplings). They also had Plove, Piroshki (Stuffed Pies), and Syrnyky. I wanted to try the food but yes, seeing the queue, I said to myself no.
I also saw a girl was doing Henna on the kid's hand. Even adults wanted to do henna from her and a lot of people were waiting for their turn to have henna from her.
Ukraine had 2 stalls, one for food and another one was a shop full of Ukrainian goodies. Chocolate from Roshen Brand's seeing there made me nostalgic. Of course, Ukrainian vodka, dried meat, and sausage were there. I used to eat Ukrainian dry meats a lot when I was in Ukraine even those chocolates. Anyway, also saw some handmade cute items made by a woman who is still in Ukraine. Seeing her work kind made me emotional as well. She deserved to be there but instead, she chose her country to stay...
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Look at the crowd in front of the Ukrainian Food shop !!! It was insane...
Once a Bangladeshi always a Bangali...
My immigrant life is now more than 6 years but no matter how far I live and where I live, I miss my country, my native language, and my food. My tradition and culture always flow in my blood and I never deny that. My culture is who I am so I definitely wanted to spend more time with Bengali people in the festival. I speak the English language most of the time and I have to speak a foreign language so I had a thirst for speaking Bengali (my native language, my mother tongue).
The Bangladeshi Stall was near the Ukrainian Stall, so my two countries were side by side. What a coincidence...
After the meet and greet, I decided that I was gonna have all the Bangladeshi Food. Well, I have been craving to taste for authentic Bengali food which actually not available anywhere except in Bangladesh. You will rarely see a Bangladeshi restaurant, you will find Indian restaurants often.
I was so busy eating and talking that I forgot to take photos. Well, I have two photos of Bangladeshi food. One the best desserts called Rosogolla and one best street food Chatpati.
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All Bangladeshi food that was served was homemade and they were the best, Well I am biased when it comes to Bangladeshi food.
Now I am going to add a lot of photos...
Indonesia Shop
Food and Handicrafts from Laos
Vietnam Shop
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Handicrafts from Mexico
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Samurai from Japan
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Parade- Participated by the Embassies
It was impossible to take photos from all the stalls because it was a big festival. At some point, my phone battery died. I really enjoyed seeing this Parade where all the Embassy people represented their country and culture.
I'm going to add some more photos... LOL...
Srilankan Saree caught my eyes
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Handicraft products were expensive; after all, they represented the country, culture, story, tradition, and background. I wanted to buy a lot of things but had to control myself.
After tasting a lot of food from different countries, finally I found myself in front of an Indian shop. Well, couldn't go home without buying anything so I bought traditional women's shoes from the shop.
I really had a good time which was unexpected because I personally don't like festivals and events. But this event was unique and one can experience something new in this festival. It's not a random event, it is unique. I call this kind of festival Fair, here people call festival... What a difference...
Love
Priyan...
I am
.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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All images used are captured by the author...