On July 1, Keti Koti was celebrated once again in Amsterdam. The commemoration of the abolition of slavery draws thousands of people to the city every year, spread across multiple locations. This year, we at ISG Security had the opportunity to be present at three locations: the official commemoration in Oosterpark, the festival on Museumplein, and Zuidoost Beseft in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Three locations, three atmospheres, one day you’ll never forget.
Oosterpark: A Place for Quiet Remembrance
The official commemoration in Oosterpark is, year after year, the heart of Keti Koti in Amsterdam. It is a place where people come together to reflect, remember, and connect—not only in silence, but also through color, music, and stories passed down from generation to generation.
Dressed appropriately, our ladies and gentlemen stood ready. Visibly present, but never intrusive. That’s a conscious choice on a day like this. Visitors needed to be able to reflect in their own way on what Keti Koti means to them, whether that was in silence, through dance, or in conversation with someone next to them. Our job was to make that possible, working in the background, without our presence detracting from the atmosphere.
As the day went on, Oosterpark filled with families, seniors, young people, and people from all corners of Amsterdam and far beyond. It was colorful, as always. Memorable stories, beautiful resolutions, traditions brought to life. A wonderful day.
Museumplein: A Festival in the City
The atmosphere was different at Museumplein, but the day was no less special. Here, the focus was on celebration: music, food, culture, and coming together. On Keti Koti, Museumplein attracts a broad and diverse crowd, which calls for an approach that fits the occasion.
Our security guards moved through the grounds with that mix of vigilance and approachability that we’re used to seeing at the city’s major festivals. You’re there for the visitors, not above them. That comes through in your attitude, your tone, and how you address someone when they need something. The festival went smoothly and without any notable incidents. Exactly as it should.
Zuidoost Beseft: At Home in the Neighborhood
The Zuidoost Beseft Festival took place in Amsterdam Zuidoost, and anyone who’s ever been there knows it has a unique energy all its own. Zuidoost has its own culture, its own community, and a festival like this is more than just an event. It’s a statement from the neighborhood—proud, visible, and full of life. Here, too, we had a team that understands what’s going on—not only from an operational standpoint, but also when it comes to connecting with visitors. As a company, we’re used to working in Amsterdam Zuidoost, and it shows. The day went well, the atmosphere was warm, and collaboration on-site went smoothly.
Three locations, one approach
What makes Keti Koti special for us as a company is the combination of solemnity and joy that this day embodies. As a security guard, you deal with people who are mourning and people who are celebrating, sometimes in the same place and at the same time. That calls for security guards who are more than just enforcers—who can read the situation and respond appropriately to what it demands. That’s what we’ve learned from our experience at events such as the Kwaku Festival, Reggae Lake, Amsterdam Museum Night, and the Liberation Festivals. Not just procedures and protocols, but also an understanding of people and a sense of context.
On July 1, 2026, we were at three locations in Amsterdam. Three teams, three locations, one day that matters.
Want to learn more about how ISG Security provides security for large-scale events? Check out our page on Event Security.