Free Heri Heri For All 2025

On Tuesday 1 July, Kunstinstituut Melly is proud to take part in Free Heri Heri For All 2025, a nationwide initiative that commemorates Keti Koti, the annual celebration marking the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean.

Starting from 3:00 PM, we will serve 250 free Heri Heri meals in the Hiphophuis living room until they run out. Heri Heri is a traditional Surinamese dish of salted fish, cassava, sweet potato, plantain, and eggs. It is a meal deeply connected to remembrance, resilience, and community care.

From 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, enjoy DJ sets by DJ NIVEK in the MELLY CANTINA, and explore short films curated by Black Soil in the Hiphophuis Gym.

Free Heri Heri For All is an initiative by KIP Republic, made possible through collaboration with cultural institutions and community partners throughout the Netherlands. At Kunstinstituut Melly, this gesture of shared food and collective memory is part of our ongoing commitment to community building and historical awareness through cultural programming.

This program is organized in collaboration with Black Soil Film Festival, House of Knowledge, KIP Republic, Hiphophuis, and Kunstinstituut Melly — together fostering community, historical awareness, and cultural exchange.

We invite you to join us, share a meal, and reflect together on the meaning of Keti Koti, translated as “broken chains”.

PROGRAMME

3:00 PM – Free Heri Heri meal distribution begins

Location: MELLY CANTINA & Hiphophuis living room

We will serve 250 free Heri Heri meals (while supplies last).

Heri Heri is a traditional Surinamese dish of salted fish, cassava, sweet potato, plantain, and egg — symbolizing remembrance, resilience, and community care.

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM| DJ set by DJ NIVEK

Locations: MELLY CANTINA

Enjoy music while picking up your Heri Heri meal and connecting with the community.

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM| Short film program curated by Black Soil Film Festival

Location: Hiphophuis Gym

Screening of short films curated by Black Soil Film Festival, focusing on themes of Black culture, identity, and resilience.