Enjoy Māori New Year celebrations this July at Wereldmuseum Leiden
Discover the rich culture of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) through engaging stories, cultural rituals, and fun workshops at the Matariki celebration at Wereldmuseum Leiden this summer.
Matariki is the name for a cluster of seven stars that appear above Aotearoa every year. Their return signifies the beginning of a new year; a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the now, and look ahead to the future.
The event promises a memorable experience for members of the Māori and Kiwi communities, and anyone interested in Māori culture and heritage!
What’s on the programme?
The day will start with pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony.
Afterwards, visitors can enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as:
☄️ Poi ball workshop: Make your own ball on a string for the traditional poi dance.
𐃆 Haka workshop: Learn the powerful ceremonial dance and what it means.
⛵️ Waka sailing: Take a ride in the quintessential symbol of Maori identity.
💡 Lectures and guided tours to learn more about the Māori culture.
Sounds great! How do I join?
🗓️ When: Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11 AM until 5 PM
📍 Where: Wereldmuseum Leiden, Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden
🎟️ Tickets: outdoor activities are free of charge, indoor activities are accessible with a museum ticket, which can be purchased here
Will you be joining the celebrations? Let us know in the comments!