Floating Pasar
For the first time in and around Fenix
On 15 August, we commemorate the end of the Second World War in Southeast Asia. Afterwards, we come together to celebrate freedom at Floating Pasar. This free family festival brings together food, music, art and stories from Indo, Indonesian, Moluccan and Papuan diaspora communities.
Two-day family festival
On and around Fenix Plein, you will find stalls serving dishes from different cuisines of the Indonesian diaspora. There is also an extensive programme featuring live performances by Annabel Laura, Robin Block, Emir Cello, Lexi and DJ Avifauna, among others. Workshops, storytellers, historical walks, exhibitions and a market will also take place.
Floating Pasar moves to Fenix
This year, Floating Pasar will take place in and around Fenix for the first time. Millions of emigrants departed from the quays surrounding the museum, while many others arrived here. This long history of migration reflects the heart of the festival: sharing stories and traditions, and creating space for cultural exchange within Indo and wider diaspora communities.
The move marks a new chapter. The larger location allows for an expanded programme, with plenty of space for connection, reflection, imagination and new stories.
Foto: Floating Pasar
Visit the exhibitions and enjoy a Moluccan meal
The stories of family, traditions and migration at the heart of Floating Pasar can also be found in Fenix’s exhibitions. In Rampie and Layer II, Thania Petersen explores her family history, which can be traced back to Indonesia. In Tampan Ship of Souls #2 and #3, Jennifer Tee uses tulip petals to create collages inspired by Indonesian tampan cloths. Caja Boogers paints memories drawn from family albums. Together, these artists show how migration continues to shape family histories, memories and identity.
Would you also like to visit the museum during Floating Pasar? With a combined ticket, you can visit all exhibitions at Fenix on Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 August and enjoy a Moluccan meal by pop-up chef BY FASSH on Plein, all at a reduced price.
Artist Talk with Caja Boogers and Hans den Hartog Jager about family photographs and the colonial past
Sunday 16 August, 2.00–3.00 pm
All Directions exhibition
How do you understand a past you mainly know through photographs, fragments of stories and silences? On Sunday 16 August, you can join an Artist Talk with visual artist Caja Boogers and art critic Hans den Hartog Jager with a museum ticket. In the heart of the All Directions exhibition, beside Iterations (2024), they discuss Boogers’ artistic practice, his family history and his perspective on the colonial past.
For Iterations, Boogers uses photographs from his family albums and focuses on details such as the corner of a mouth, the fold of a uniform or a batik motif. By repainting these fragments, he tries to come closer to his Indo family history and explores how memories and colonial imagery continue to shape later generations.
Places are limited and cannot be reserved, please arrive early to secure a seat.
Caja Boogers at FENIX
Moluccan meal by pop-up chef BY FASSH
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August
Fenix Plein
During Floating Pasar, BY FASSH serves a Moluccan meal consisting of satay, nasi and a salad made to their own recipe. The dishes bring together flavours that are preserved, adapted and passed on within families and communities.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate specific allergies or dietary requirements.
Travel information
Floating Pasar takes place at several locations around Katendrecht and Rijnhaven, all within walking distance of each other. We recommend travelling by public transport, bike or on foot. From Wilhelminaplein and Rijnhaven metro stations and Lombokstraat bus stop, it’s an easy walk to the festival. Coming by car? Please allow for busy roads and limited parking. You can park at Q-Park Rijnhaven or Q-Park De Rotterdam; allow a little extra travel time.
About the organisation
Floating Pasar is organised by Stichting 15 augustus 1945 regio Rotterdam. The foundation organises the Rotterdam commemoration of 15 August every year and works to raise awareness of the end of the Second World War in South-East Asia