26 september, SLACHTHUIS HAARLEM:

FESTIVAL, PANELS, EXHIBITION, Q&A & MOVIES

World Protest Song Day is an annual festival where music, activism, and social awareness converge. On this day, we loudly reflect on the power of protest music, from historical struggle songs to contemporary statements. We celebrate the right to speak out through words, images, and sounds that resonate with inequality, emancipation, free-dom, and justice.

From captivating performances and thought-provoking debates to a unique exhibition of iconic vinyl covers, posters, and protest art, the program highlights the role of music in fueling change. It also features new voices, young designers, and critical creators who are shaping the musical protest of the future.

World Protest Song Day is an initiative of Slachthuis Haarlem in collaboration with the Haarlem Vinyl Festival – with the ambition to grow annually from a local platform to an international movement in which the protest song once again finds its voice.

1939

“Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leeves and blood at the root,black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,
strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”

BILLie HOLIDAY

PROGRAM

Four people sitting on a stage during a podcast or panel discussion, with microphones, in a cozy, intimate setting.
A turntable with a record on it, labeled 'Electic Test,' in grayscale.
A black and white photo of five women sitting on a stage, participating in a discussion or interview. One woman is holding a microphone, and others are listening. The stage is decorated with a floor lamp, a candelabra-style floor lamp, and lighting equipment.
Five women performing on stage with microphones, dancing, and singing in a dimly lit concert or club setting.
Person holding a sign that reads 'We Need a Change' at a protest or rally with a crowd in the background.
A person sitting at a desk on stage, speaking into a microphone, with a presentation slide behind them that says 'VRAGEN?' and other text. Audience members are visible in silhouette.
Person walking past shelves filled with boxed speakers or electronic equipment in a store.
A large crowd gathered outdoors holding various flags and banners at a protest or rally
A man with sunglasses, a hat, and a patterned scarf sits near a stage where a band is performing. The band includes musicians playing saxophonophones, a keyboard, and other instruments, under a tent.

PHOTOBOOTH

aN aCTIVIST fOR a wHILE

09:00 tO 17:00

A collage of posters for the World Protest Song Day 2025 event, featuring vibrant and monochrome designs, with text about the event and artistic graphics.

PARTNERS

World Protest Song Day is an initiative of Slachthuis Haarlem and is organized in collaboration with the Haarlem Vinyl Festival.

PARTICIPATE OR COLLABORATE

Want to be part of World Protest Song Day? Do you have an initiative, organization, or story that aligns with the philosophy of protest, activism, and music?

Register as a speaker, exhibitor at Protest Square, partner, or co-creator.

LOGO’S PARTNERS

Logo with a large red letter 'S' and the word 'SLAVETIHUS' written vertically along the right side of the 'S'.
Logo for Haarlem Vinyl Festival featuring concentric semi-circles next to the festival name in black text on a light blue background.
A blue circular logo with white text that reads "TMT music"
Amnesty International logo with black text and a candle wrapped in barbed wire on a yellow background.
Purple background with abstract light blue and purple text and yellow accents, featuring the word 'KAP GALON' and Dutch phrase 'waar verhalen samenkomen'.