Rollerdisco and salsa dancing on Square

Part of the new Fenix is Plein. On this covered city square, all kinds of activities are organised by and with Rotterdammers. This summer, Plein will turn into a place full of music and movement every Saturday afternoon until 23 August. During this six-part summer series, roller disco and Latin dance parties alternate.

At Plein op Rolletjes, visitors can roller-skate all afternoon. Dancing or just enjoying the atmosphere is also allowed: everyone is welcome. Consideration has also been given to participants without their own skates. They can visit Skateland, partner of the event, to hire skates and protective equipment. DJ Bootsy Paul will make appropriate dance tunes sound with his mobile DJ cart throughout the afternoon.

On the other Saturdays, Shine on Plein will take place and Striktly, the organisation behind Shine Festival, will provide an energetic programme of Latin music. With music sets of salsa, bachata and merengue, Plein turns into a Latin dance floor for everyone. Visitors can dance freely, take part in public dance workshops or just settle down. Even those who have never danced salsa or bachata are welcome to take their first steps at Plein.

Square Kitchen Pop-Up: Maher Al Sabbagh

Plein also has a kitchen serving the city's food culture. Every six weeks there is a different chef. This summer (until 24 August), Maher Al Sabbagh will serve authentic dishes from the Levant. Maher grew up in Syria and learned to cook in his grandmother's kitchen. In the Netherlands, he turned his love of food into a new beginning: he cooked in restaurant Lux for eight years, opened his own restaurant in Maastricht and regularly cooks at Verhalenhuis Belvédère. His menu includes classics such as fatteh, crispy flatbread with chickpeas and a creamy yoghurt sauce, and baba ghanouj, creamy aubergine dip with pomegranate. Maher also serves a colourful mezze mix, his beloved falafel wrap, and refreshing drinks like watermelon juice and homemade lemonade. To finish, there will be hangop with honey and fresh fruit. Square Kitchen Pop-Up: Maher Al Sabbagh is open Thursday to Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm.

Cover photo: Jor Évora