The Hague, Netherlands – The Embassy of Algeria in the Netherlands organized a two-day festival on July 6 and 7 to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of Independence and Youth Day. This celebration, held at the expansive premises of the embassy, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Algeria, the nation’s enduring spirit and vibrant traditions.
The Algeria Festival featured a diverse array of artisans displaying their finest products, ranging from traditional carpets, handicrafts, and pottery to exquisite jewelry and embroidered dresses. Visitors were treated to a unique selection of Algerian goods, including honey, essential oils, dates, and handmade soap, all reflecting the country’s rich artisanal legacy. The event also offered a delightful culinary experience, allowing attendees to taste traditional Algerian dishes and sweets, adding a flavorful dimension to the festivities.
From the early hours of Saturday, the Algerian community was actively involved in setting up the stands in the embassy’s back garden. Diplomats and embassy personnel worked diligently to create a solemn yet convivial atmosphere, honoring the significance of the anniversary while celebrating with a lively Algerian market.
Her Excellency Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria to the Netherlands, welcomed a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen and those from Cameroon, Egypt, Kuwait, Malta, Peru, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as prominent members of the Algerian diaspora and local Dutch community. The festival attracted many curious visitors eager to explore, admire, and purchase the showcased products, contributing to the event’s vibrant ambiance.
The program commenced with the hoisting of the Algerian flag and the national anthem, followed by Ambassador Abdelhak’s eloquent speech. Delivered in both Arabic and English, the speech underscored the historical significance of Independence and Youth Day and paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Algeria’s freedom.
“We gather today to celebrate a dear and cherished occasion for all of us, which is Independence Day and Youth Day. On such a day, the 5th of July 1962, the aspirations of our resilient people were realized as our nation achieved its freedom after great sacrifices, where the youth of Algeria played a significant role in the struggle to regain our sovereignty,” stated Ambassador Abdelhak.
She continued, “As we celebrate this great anniversary, we draw inspiration from this heroic spirit to continue the journey of building and developing, by preserving the gains of independence and working diligently for a better future. This requires us to live up to the responsibility left to us by the martyrs, may God have mercy on them, and to work together, hand in hand, to achieve their dream of freedom and prosperity for our dear country.”
Highlighting Algeria’s progress since independence, Ambassador Abdelhak noted, “After the independence, Algeria immediately embarked on a path of development and continues to renew itself to this day, achieving numerous accomplishments that have significantly improved the country at all levels. Recently, under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has witnessed rapid dynamics in various economic, social, and cultural fields, aimed at enhancing economic growth through encouraging both domestic and foreign investments, developing infrastructure, and supporting vital sectors such as industry, agriculture, and energy.”
She emphasized the importance of democratic practices, stating, “Building a state of institutions and consolidating democratic practices is one of the goals pursued by the Algerian state, based on the principles of the November 1st Declaration, which calls for establishing a governance system based on national sovereignty and popular participation. This includes organizing regular free and fair elections for presidential, parliamentary, and local levels, enabling all segments of society to participate in making important decisions and shaping the future of the country.”
Ambassador Abdelhak also highlighted the role of the youth, saying, “Given that the youth of Algeria are the cornerstone of the Nation and its future, they must play a crucial role in both political and economic spheres. State policies focus on providing them support and creating suitable opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations, by creating a supportive environment that helps them explore their capabilities and develop their skills to carry the torch of responsibilities in the future.”
Concluding her speech, she expressed pride in the Algerian community in the Netherlands and their contribution to the cultural understanding and mutual respect between Algeria and the Netherlands. “On this special occasion, I would like to express our pride in the Algerian national community in the Netherlands, with all its components proudly representing Algeria in Dutch society. Their excellence in the Netherlands greatly contributes to enhancing Algeria’s image and deepening cultural understanding and mutual respect between the peoples of both countries.”
The Algeria Festival at the embassy served as two days of convivial exchange between the Algerian and Dutch community; a celebration of independence through the display of artisanal crafts, traditional foods, highlighting the vibrant culture of Algeria and leaving a lasting positive impression on all attendees.
