"Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse" brings Dutch culture to life at HKBU

The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) campus recently hosted a vibrant celebration of Dutch culture titled “Gezellig! The Netherlands Funhouse”, as part of the Consul-General-in-Residence Programme 2025.

The event was inaugurated by Professor Alexander Ping-kong Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, alongside Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao SARs. Together, they introduced attendees to the gezellig way of life, embodying the Dutch spirit of shared joy and coziness.

The celebration commenced with a lively display of volksdans, a traditional Dutch folk dance, where dancers in colorful costumes moved to the rhythmic chants of “Oranje Boven!” (Orange on Top!). This set the tone for a day filled with the festive spirit reminiscent of King's Day and the UNESCO Corso Culture.

As the melodies of a street organ played, participants felt as though they were in the bustling squares of Amsterdam, surrounded by the national orange color, a symbol of Dutch pride and unity. 

This immersive experience highlighted the elements that define the Netherlands—from the wind that powers its iconic windmills to the water that shapes its engineered landscapes, and from the bicycles that navigate its streets to the people who keep its traditions alive.