Hartjesdag 2023

Hartjesdag returns to Zeedijk in August 2023. Hartjesdag is a multi-day festival on Zeedijk, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam. On the third Monday in August, the city celebrated. Hartjesdag was the carnival of Amsterdam and its surroundings. Men dressed as women and women wore men's clothing. For one day, Amsterdammers let themselves go completely.

How it all began Where Hartjesdag comes from is not clear. It probably originated in the Middle Ages and the name is a corruption of 'hertjesdag' ('hart's day'). This was a feast day where the common people could hunt for harts in the forests around Haarlem, something that was normally reserved only for the nobility. After the hunt, the game was roasted and eaten on the street.

Later, it developed into a kind of carnival, with lots of drinking, men dressing as women, and women dressing as men. At that time, it was already celebrated around Zeedijk.

Heart of Zeedijk After a long period when Zeedijk was a no-go area to visit or live, the Neighborhood Association wanted to show how much had changed. It became a celebration for residents who have always remained loyal to the neighborhood and hold it close to their hearts.

Today, Zeedijk is the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown, but also has many gay bars and restaurants. Hartjesdag begins on Sunday with the Night of Romance, with various performances in and around the cafés on Zeedijk.

On Monday, there is the traditional Zeedijk Brunch, of course with a lot of music, and as the highlight, the crowning of the Queen of Hartjesdag, the best crossdresser of the year.