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Creative Space

 doesn’t get much better to visit than at the height of summer.

It's a time when the city's bustling markets are alive, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the occasional whiff of a spliff in the air. It's also when Dekmantel, one of the city's greatest cultural highlights for travellers and ravers alike, returns. The Dutch festival, renowned for its sharp curation of electronic music, has hosted legends like Tangerine Dream, Jeff Mills and Helena Hauff in its past editions.

Dekmantel's appeal lies not only in its lineup but also in its setting. Held in the heart of Amsterdam, it's a time when visitors can experience the city's rich cultural and culinary offerings alongside the festival's extensive programme.

To help you make the most of your visit, we turned to Burundi-born, Amsterdam-based selector Arakaza, who's set to make his Dekmantel debut during its 2024 edition. As the founder of the Amsterdam club night Kumata, the local DJ spotlights Afro-diasporic and queer artists in his work. His high-energy sets see him bridge the gap between his East African roots and hard industrial sounds, underpinned by his active role in the ballroom scene.

From Black-owned businesses to Caribbean snacks and Afro-diasporic eateries, Arakaza has you covered. Whether you’re warming up for his set at the Connects stage or treating your hangover after the dance with some kelewele, Dekmantel can prove to be an endurance test. Arakaza's guide ensures you last the marathon while experiencing the best of Amsterdam.

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

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Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

Foundation Nowhere

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