Amsterdam is looking for people who are 75 years old, but why?

It has something to do with early preparations for a grand anniversary

The City of Amsterdam announced that it is seeking people who are 75 years old or will be turning 75 in October 2024. That month is when the authorities have decided to begin the year-long celebrations marking the 750^th anniversary of the Dutch capital.

It looks like the age of the participants has been chosen on account of its similarity to the age of the city – minus one zero, of course. The city government has stated that it plans to interview the volunteering seniors in order to hear their individual stories and glean some insight into the grassroots of Amsterdam.

The interview will be made into a special documentary series, although it hasn’t been specified in what format and how they will be presented.

Not many cities know their birthdate

Amsterdam is one of those lucky few cities that know not only the year marking their city status but also the exact date it was granted. In this case, it happened on 27 October 1275, way back during the Middle Ages, when a certain count by the name of Floris V granted Amsterdammers toll privileges.

As for the people turning 75 next year, the only requirement is that they currently reside in Amsterdam, but it doesn’t matter for how long the city has been their home. They can be newcomers from other corners of the world or people whose ancestors had always lived there.

There is no limitation on the kind of stories that participants wish to share and tell, either. As long as they have stories to recount about the city and a hearty desire to share them with the world.

Interviewee volunteers who meet the requirements are invited to send an email to redactie@amsterdam.nl