On the picture Ambassador Rajesh Prasad.After two years of dedicated service in The Netherlands, His Excellency Rajesh Prasad, Ambassador of India, left the country to return to his homeland and make the transition from public to private life. A lifelong diplomat, H.E. Mr. Prasad began his career in the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1980. Since then, he has faithfully served his country in Cairo, Riyadh, London, Jakarta, Geneva, Algiers and Accra – a long and distinguished period of service which culminated in his appointment to the prestigious position of Ambassador to the Netherlands.
For a photo album on H. E. Rajesh Prasad farewell, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656292434146H. E. Rajesh Prasad salutes Ambassador of Ghana, H. E. Joe Tony Aidoo.He offered a farewell reception at the Indian residence, where Head of Missions and diplomats from international organizations, academics, former Ministers and Dutch Government officials came together as friends to say goodbye. Ambassador Prasad explained in his ‘au revoir’ speech that he will miss The Hague and his colleagues but that he is willing to go back to his country and dedicate time to his personal life. No entrepreneurial projects, no political plans; he wants to take time for himself after 35 years of a successful career that has brought him from one side of the world to the other.Family and friends came to say goodbye.Even at the Head of one of the most important missions abroad for India, and with a very challenging agenda, “You always manage your very exigent life and work to be able to inspire peace and calm in every moment. We think this is a rare strength you have and the one we will remember the most,” said one of his diplomat friends.
On the picture Ambassador José de Bouza Serrano together with Vesela Mrden Ambassador of Croatia.
Every year on 10th of June, worldwide celebrations take place for the Dia de Portugal that commemorates the death of Luis de Camoes, a significant figure in the nation’s history and author of Lusiadas – the national epic poem that celebrates the achievements of the Portuguese in world exploration during the 16th century.
For a photo album on the National Day of Portugal 2015, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157655938173038H. E. José de Bouza Serrano together with H. E. Timothy Croas, Ambassador of the USA.
2015 was no exception, and a special reception was hosted by His Excellency Jose De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal to the Netherlands. Portuguese expats came in great numbers to show solidarity and affection to their country, together with countless Head of Missions and Dutch Government officials. Many friends of Portugal from the business, Catholic, and student communities were also in attendance, and the enormous Portuguese residence and its gardens were alive with people.
Ambassador De Bouza Serrano took time to talk to every guest, shake hands, and receive warm congratulations from the many attendees at his residence.
H. E. José de Bouza Serrano with the Ambassador of Irak H.E. Dr Saad Abdulmajeed Ibrahim Ibrahim.
On the picture H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador.
On 25th May, the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina celebrated together with a crowd of Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, Dutch government officials, expats and friends a warm and welcoming National Day or May Revolution Day to commemorate a seminal moment in Argentine history – the famous May Revolution of 1810 that marked the beginning of South America’s separation from the Kingdom of Spain.
For a photo-album of the National Day of the Republic of Argentina, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653999471715H.E. Mr Ittiporn Boonpracong Ambassador of Thailand and H.E. Mr Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh with a guest.
In an atmosphere of hospitality, harmony, and patriotism, His Excellency Mr. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger de Salvador, together with all the embassy staff, observed the Revolution Day with music, traditional cuisine, and fine Argentine wine.
Ms. Joan McNamara, Mr. Aldo Cavalli the Apostolic Nuncio together with H. E. Ms María Teresa de Jesús Infante Caffi Ambassador of Chile and guests.
The Ceibo flower, whose spectacular blooming period takes place in May and is the symbol of the May Revolution, was in the hearts and minds of all Argentinean diplomats and staff who shook hands with guests and served chicken empanadas, ‘asado’ (top quality of Argentine beef), a selection of the best of the country’s wines, Malbec from Mendoza, and the sweet ‘dulce de leche’.
On one of the most beautiful days of the summer in the gardens of the Argentinean residence, the National Anthem of the legendary South American country rang out in Wassenaar like a symbol of friendship with The Netherlands.
With a feeling of harmony and self-respect, Argentina observes the Revolution Day with music, colorful march pasts, and traditional cuisines in every territory in which the nation has official representation.
H. E. Héctor Horacio Salvador and his wife Ms. Jane Berger receiving their guests.
This event is given the status of a public holiday in commemoration of all the happenings and major incidents in the history of Argentina leading to the May Revolution and the eventual independence of the country.
The May Revolution is widely seen as the country’s initial step towards autonomy and freedom. The Revolution itself was not a single event but a succession of historical and societal happenings that occurred in Buenos Aires, which resulted in the creation of the longest-standing non-Spanish government in the nation.
Argentinian’s wines.
There was little or no violence during the rebellion itself since many who participated in it hailed from the upper echelons of society. As a result, a self-governing administration was established in the country on 25th May 1810, and has henceforth been known as Revolution Day. In spite of the fact that it was planned as proof of allegiance to the Spanish monarch, the Revolution essentially triggered the course of independence for the country.
Ferdinand VII was reinstated in 1814, however by that time Argentina had tasted too much of Spanish dominance. In 1811, Paraguay had achieved its independence. On July 9, 1816, Argentina officially announced its liberation from Spanish settlers. Under the able guidance of Jose de San Martin, the country defied Spain’s endeavors to recapture it.
On the picture Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong during his speech.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
For the second consecutive year, the Royal Thai Embassy together with the Thai community have brought the Grand Thai Festival to the international city of The Hague.
At 12.00h sharp, Thai Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong declared the festival open. From July 11th to 12th, two days of Thai ambience reigned at the Spuiplein in The Hague.
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Thai Traditional Dance: 1) Art Association for Youth 2) Akira Dance Troop
Contemporary music: 1) Spizy Band 2) Chompoo Mhor Lum Zing
Thai Classical music: Thai Music Circle in the Netherlands
Kids show: Thai Language and Culture Foundation in the Netherlands
Kick boxing: 1) Kuemgang Martial Arts Academy 2) Mac Rakkong and Lek’s kick boxing show.
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
Mozart in Den Haag (Mozart in The Hague), 10-15 September 2015Festival celebrates 250 years of Mozart in The Hague and pays homage to the famous composer
One of the most famous visitors to The Hague ever was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Mozart family’s visit to The Hague. The anniversary will be celebrated 10-15 September 2015 with the festival “Mozart in The Hague” in which Mozart’s music is omnipresent – original, modified, ‘applied’ and in concert.
The festival is a reflection of the diversity that characterizes the works of Mozart. Of course there is a prominent role for music. We were able to connect some wonderful performers with the festival, including Johannette Zomer, Ton Koopman and Tini Mathot, Menno van Delft, The Hague Philharmonic conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend, Residentie Bach Choir, The Hague Matrozenkoor and pianist Daria van den Bercken. During the Amadeus contest young talents get a chance to show what they can.
Residents and visitors to the city will be surprised with outdoor music. The carillon is played and wind ensembles will perform arrangements of Mozart’s opera music. There are talks and walks, there is an exhibition in the Historical Museum.
The Foundation Mozart in The Hague was founded in July 2014 and has quickly prepared a varied and contrasting program. It is the desire of the organisation to achieve co-operation and cohesion in the city. Collaboration has been sought and found with the activities of the National Heritage Day and Prinsjesdag Festival, but also existing concert series have been asked to programme their concerts in the festival period around Mozart. The festival provides a platform for professionals and amateurs. Artistic director of the festival is harpsichordist, conductor and composer Jörn Boysen (*1976). The full program and ticket information of the festival is available on www.mozartindenhaag.nl.
You can also follow the festival on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mozartindenhaag) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mozartindenhaag).
See the festival brochure via http://www.mozartindenhaag.nl/nieuws/id/13/23-6-2015/festivalbrochure-online/
Hendrik Willem Mesdag’s smallest painting, recently discovered in the National Archives, will be on display at Panorama Mesdag in The Hague from 17 July through 4 October 2015.Panorama Mesdag is delighted that it can give this unique mini-painting, with a short romantic poem on the back, a place of honour in the exhibition titled “Mesdag Family Collection”. Here, it will be surrounded by other, very personal, works from the private collections of the descendants of the artist couple Mesdag – van Houten, which have been brought together in this special, one-time exhibition in the 2015 Mesdag Year. Mesdag is particularly well-known for his enormous, cylinder-shaped painting measuring 120 metres wide by 14 metres tall: Panorama Mesdag. But, as it now turns out, he was also able to paint at a smaller size. Last week saw the discovery in the National Archives of an as-yet unknown work by Mesdag: a beautiful water colour 5 cm x 3 cm created in 1854. What makes the painting even more special is the little poem on the back written by Mesdag for his fiancée Sientje van Houten. The work was found in the archives of Samuel van Houten, Sientje’s brother. A wonderful portrait of Samuel van Houten by Mesdag is also on view in the “Mesdag Family Collection” exhibition.Apart from its size, the tiny Mesdag work is special also because it is an early riverscape that displays Mesdag’s characteristic rendering of sunlight falling on water. A precursor to his later work as a marine painter, the painting was made for Sientje, his bride-to-be.Mesdag’s YearThis year, The Hague is celebrating Mesdag’s 100-year-old cultural legacy. In the late 19th century, Mesdag put the city on the cultural map, both nationally and internationally. A number of museums and cultural institutions in The Hague are showcasing the many faces of this city’s icon with a range of exhibitions, symposia and events. More information is available on www.mesdagjaar.nl. For more information or visual materials, please contact Helma Doorman on 070-3106665 or at hdoorman@panorama-mesdag.nl. Alternatively, you can contact Eva Whyte, Nationaal Archief, 06-55267977, eva.whyte@nationaalarchief.nl
Bolivia Minka Dance Troep organizes together with Ayni Bolivia the visit of the Bafopaz Bolivian National folkloric ballet (Bafopaz) from La Paz, Bolivia .
The Folkloric Ballet of La Paz is led by Victor Hugo Salinas Pereira and Ana Salinas Ariscurnaga Gil. This fantastic show usually perform at 3600 m above sea level now is coming to the Lowlands!
In the past nine years, the Folkloric Ballet of La Paz has become a real reference in Bolivian arts and traditions through the quality of its performance, and its choreographic richness and accuracy of the interpretation.
The ballet has explored Bolivia from one side to the other, but has also participated in different festivals in South America and in Europe were short ago was distinguished with the Plurinational Price “Eduardo Avaroa 2014”.
The Folkloric Ballet will be for the first time performed in Amsterdam at Mozaïk!
27 dancers and 7 musicians will delight us with the high quality of its performances. They will let us travel through a country rich in traditions and customs. The folkloric ballet’s show is based on the well known Carnival of Oruro, UNESCO’s world heritage.
The profit made will cover the expenses of the show and also an ICT4 disadvantaged students through Ayni Bolivia Nederland Foundation (https://www.ayni.nl).
Show: Friday 24 July Podium Mozaïek – Bos en Lommerweg 191 in Amsterdam.Time: 20:00 (Theater opens at 19:30)
By Nicole H Pierre.
What an amazing gathering it was at the Residence of the French Ambassador to The Netherlands, to celebrate France’s National day on Tuesday July 14, 2015!
Despite the grey skies, the more than 700 guests who were gathered to celebrate, and offer kind words of congratulations, were in high spirits. The invitees were warmly and personally welcomed by His Excellency Mr. Laurent Pic, who celebrated his first “14 juillet” in The Hague as French ambassador and he was also in the presence of his Legal Adviser Mme. Diara Dime-Labille.
For a photo album on France National Day 2015, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157653694767733
At 7pm, the national hymn of France – La Marseillaise – was sung by the 2010 winner of the Concours de la Chanson de l’Alliance Française, Katell Chevalier.
French nationals, and friends of France, joined in heartily to sing the anthem demonstrating a certain pride and admiration for the great republic. Very fitting indeed as the 14th of July has become a day to reflect on the core values of the French Republic: freedom, equality and fraternity… values which have been tested in recent times.
In his speech, Mr. Pic reflected on some of the challenges facing our world, and more specifically Europe. But he also reminded us about the importance of a united Europe, highlighting the ongoing collaborations between France and the Netherlands.
In keeping with this spirit, the French ambassador also spoke about the departure of Tour de France from Utrecht as well as the launching of the economic year between France and the Netherland.
In Mr. Pic’s words, “All in all I’m confident that the friendship between France and the Netherland, deeply rooted in our common history and our common values, will help us in building an even more united Europe, a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous world. And you can rely on the commitment of all of us at the French Embassy to make the Franco-Dutch relationship as vivid and as fruitful as possible.”
The evening was plagued with a very festive and convivial atmosphere. Friends mingled and toasted each other, and networking was the order of the day as guests moved from one food station to the next. Chapeau Monsieur Ambassadeur… this was successful 14 juillet celebration.
To read the Ambassador’s speech please visit the site:http://www.ambafrance-nl.org/Fete-Nationale-a-la-Residence-de-France-1All the photos are the copyrights of Ambassade de France aux Pays-bas.
Orlando Honorary Dutch Consulate to Stop Issuing Visas andPassportsDue to technical difficulties, the Dutch Honorary Consulate in Orlando, Florida, no longer issues visas, and stopped processing passport applications since 1 July 2015.The Honorary Dutch Consulate reminds open for all other activities. The closing of the passport and visa desk in Orlando was already scheduled, but came earlier than announced because of ongoing technical difficulties.Travelers in the Orlando region can apply for a passport and/or visa at the Dutch consulate general in Miami, San Francisco and New York, or at the Netherlands Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Dutch honorary consul in Orlando will continue to support the Dutch business community and help Dutch citizens in need.The Dutch government acknowledges that these changes have practical consequences for Dutch nationals in the United States.As of March 9, 2014, the government has introduced a passport that is valid for 10 years for adults. This means that citizens in the Orlando area who successfully apply for a new passport at the honorary consulate before 1 July 2015 will not have to renew their passport until 2025. Minors (younger than 18 years old) will still have to renew their passports every five years. More details about Dutch passport applications can be found at www.dutchhelp.com.For any consular questions, you can also call 1-877 DUTCHHELP (1-877-388-2443) 24 hours a day.
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
In his opening address, Ambassador Boonpracong made mention of the various upcoming anniversaries and celebrations, including the King’s birthday and that of the Princess.
The Ambassador also referred to the relationship between his country and the Netherlands which has existed for eons.
The programme included traditional food, beverages, handicraft and more. The performances were as follows:
Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, his colleagues, and the thousands of others all enjoyed the authentic Thai atmosphere.
The Foundation Mozart in The Hague was founded in July 2014 and has quickly prepared a varied and contrasting program. It is the desire of the organisation to achieve co-operation and cohesion in the city. Collaboration has been sought and found with the activities of the National Heritage Day and Prinsjesdag Festival, but also existing concert series have been asked to programme their concerts in the festival period around Mozart. The festival provides a platform for professionals and amateurs. Artistic director of the festival is harpsichordist, conductor and composer Jörn Boysen (*1976). The full program and ticket information of the festival is available on www.mozartindenhaag.nl.
You can also follow the festival on Twitter (https://twitter.com/mozartindenhaag) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mozartindenhaag).
See the festival brochure via http://www.mozartindenhaag.nl/nieuws/id/13/23-6-2015/festivalbrochure-online/
Mesdag is particularly well-known for his enormous, cylinder-shaped painting measuring 120 metres wide by 14 metres tall: Panorama Mesdag. But, as it now turns out, he was also able to paint at a smaller size.
Last week saw the discovery in the National Archives of an as-yet unknown work by Mesdag: a beautiful water colour 5 cm x 3 cm created in 1854. What makes the painting even more special is the little poem on the back written by Mesdag for his fiancée Sientje van Houten. The work was found in the archives of Samuel van Houten, Sientje’s brother. A wonderful portrait of Samuel van Houten by Mesdag is also on view in the “Mesdag Family Collection” exhibition.
Apart from its size, the tiny Mesdag work is special also because it is an early riverscape that displays Mesdag’s characteristic rendering of sunlight falling on water. A precursor to his later work as a marine painter, the painting was made for Sientje, his bride-to-be.
Mesdag’s Year
This year, The Hague is celebrating Mesdag’s 100-year-old cultural legacy. In the late 19th century, Mesdag put the city on the cultural map, both nationally and internationally. A number of museums and cultural institutions in The Hague are showcasing the many faces of this city’s icon with a range of exhibitions, symposia and events. More information is available on www.mesdagjaar.nl.
For more information or visual materials, please contact Helma Doorman on 070-3106665 or at hdoorman@panorama-mesdag.nl.
Alternatively, you can contact Eva Whyte, Nationaal Archief, 06-55267977, eva.whyte@nationaalarchief.nl
Mesdag is particularly well-known for his enormous, cylinder-shaped painting measuring 120 metres wide by 14 metres tall: Panorama Mesdag. But, as it now turns out, he was also able to paint at a smaller size.
Last week saw the discovery in the National Archives of an as-yet unknown work by Mesdag: a beautiful water colour 5 cm x 3 cm created in 1854. What makes the painting even more special is the little poem on the back written by Mesdag for his fiancée Sientje van Houten. The work was found in the archives of Samuel van Houten, Sientje’s brother. A wonderful portrait of Samuel van Houten by Mesdag is also on view in the “Mesdag Family Collection” exhibition.
Apart from its size, the tiny Mesdag work is special also because it is an early riverscape that displays Mesdag’s characteristic rendering of sunlight falling on water. A precursor to his later work as a marine painter, the painting was made for Sientje, his bride-to-be.
Mesdag’s Year
This year, The Hague is celebrating Mesdag’s 100-year-old cultural legacy. In the late 19th century, Mesdag put the city on the cultural map, both nationally and internationally. A number of museums and cultural institutions in The Hague are showcasing the many faces of this city’s icon with a range of exhibitions, symposia and events. More information is available on www.mesdagjaar.nl.
For more information or visual materials, please contact Helma Doorman on 070-3106665 or at hdoorman@panorama-mesdag.nl.
Alternatively, you can contact Eva Whyte, Nationaal Archief, 06-55267977, eva.whyte@nationaalarchief.nl
At 7pm, the national hymn of France – La Marseillaise – was sung by the 2010 winner of the Concours de la Chanson de l’Alliance Française, Katell Chevalier.
French nationals, and friends of France, joined in heartily to sing the anthem demonstrating a certain pride and admiration for the great republic. Very fitting indeed as the 14th of July has become a day to reflect on the core values of the French Republic: freedom, equality and fraternity… values which have been tested in recent times.
In his speech, Mr. Pic reflected on some of the challenges facing our world, and more specifically Europe. But he also reminded us about the importance of a united Europe, highlighting the ongoing collaborations between France and the Netherlands.
In keeping with this spirit, the French ambassador also spoke about the departure of Tour de France from Utrecht as well as the launching of the economic year between France and the Netherland.
In Mr. Pic’s words, “All in all I’m confident that the friendship between France and the Netherland, deeply rooted in our common history and our common values, will help us in building an even more united Europe, a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous world. And you can rely on the commitment of all of us at the French Embassy to make the Franco-Dutch relationship as vivid and as fruitful as possible.”
The evening was plagued with a very festive and convivial atmosphere. Friends mingled and toasted each other, and networking was the order of the day as guests moved from one food station to the next. Chapeau Monsieur Ambassadeur… this was successful 14 juillet celebration.
To read the Ambassador’s speech please visit the site:
http://www.ambafrance-nl.org/Fete-Nationale-a-la-Residence-de-France-1
All the photos are the copyrights of Ambassade de France aux Pays-bas.
At 7pm, the national hymn of France – La Marseillaise – was sung by the 2010 winner of the Concours de la Chanson de l’Alliance Française, Katell Chevalier.
French nationals, and friends of France, joined in heartily to sing the anthem demonstrating a certain pride and admiration for the great republic. Very fitting indeed as the 14th of July has become a day to reflect on the core values of the French Republic: freedom, equality and fraternity… values which have been tested in recent times.
In his speech, Mr. Pic reflected on some of the challenges facing our world, and more specifically Europe. But he also reminded us about the importance of a united Europe, highlighting the ongoing collaborations between France and the Netherlands.
In keeping with this spirit, the French ambassador also spoke about the departure of Tour de France from Utrecht as well as the launching of the economic year between France and the Netherland.
In Mr. Pic’s words, “All in all I’m confident that the friendship between France and the Netherland, deeply rooted in our common history and our common values, will help us in building an even more united Europe, a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous world. And you can rely on the commitment of all of us at the French Embassy to make the Franco-Dutch relationship as vivid and as fruitful as possible.”
The evening was plagued with a very festive and convivial atmosphere. Friends mingled and toasted each other, and networking was the order of the day as guests moved from one food station to the next. Chapeau Monsieur Ambassadeur… this was successful 14 juillet celebration.
To read the Ambassador’s speech please visit the site:
http://www.ambafrance-nl.org/Fete-Nationale-a-la-Residence-de-France-1
All the photos are the copyrights of Ambassade de France aux Pays-bas.
