Singing in the Rain: A Celebration of Cultures
One Song, Two Languages, and a World of Connection
Last weekend, I visited the Italië Evenement at Kasteel de Haar, one of my favourite Dutch castle (again one of those places to visit with the Museumkaart). Kasteel de Haar is located outside Utrecht.
The forecast predicted rain all day for this outdoor event, but we went anyway. Partly due to the fact that the tickets and parking was already paid for, to be honest. I believe that the Dutch are very thrifty with their money. I know I am.
Still, with our raincoats and umbrellas, we spent four hours walking the castle grounds, browsing the market stalls, and sharing lunch under a dripping parasol.
And yet, it was wonderful. I had such a great time.
I saw people having fun and being very tolerant and understanding toward each other. All together in the rain made this day filled with human connection even more bright to me.
An Italian band playing live in the rain.
Although the band performed under what looked like a plastic bubble to protect their instruments, this enthusiastic audience stood and dances out in the rain. Everyone (young and old) were dancing, smiling, and singing along loud. With or without an embrella, and so full of joy and laughter.
One of the songs they performed in Italian was Storie di tutti i giorni, a well-known Italian ballad. I did not know the Italian lyrics, but recognized the melody right away. It is one of my favourite songs from 30 years ago when it was performed in Dutch with a different title: Dromen zijn bedrog .
As the Italian singer reached the chorus and held the mic out to the crowd, something beautiful happened. The dancing audience joined in, singing the Dutch version of the chorus. Loud, proud, and in sync with the music.
It was one song in different languages, shared by people from many backgrounds.
To me it felt so normal and natural and felt international at the same time.
It was such a perfect reflection of what I believe makes life in the Netherlands and being part of a world with diversity so powerful.
Because moments like these remind me why I do what I do as an expat coach.
It’s not just about adjusting to a new country. It’s about celebrating cultural connections and being open to others while still rooted in your own identity.
It’s about seeing how diversity brings color, warmth, and surprise into our lives. Especially in the rain. So Dutch and heartwarming.
We all carry our own songs, our own languages, and our own stories.
And when we share them. When we sing together something special happens.
“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome.
It’s a joy to celebrate.
Especially in the pouring rain.”
Have you ever experienced a moment where cultures blended
in a surprising or joyful way?
Maybe it was through music, food, language, or a shared laugh on a rainy day.
