And yet, here we are for a year celebrating the day when Floris V, Count of Holland, granted special tolling privileges to people who lived next to the “Aemstelle Dam”. Some even question the choice of the date of these celebrations: the town of “Aemstelledamme” only received its first charter (generally considered the founding sign of a town) a few decades later, in 1300.

Rushing to the earlier, and arguably less important, date of “toll privileges” smacks of birthday opportunism. Although perhaps it’s appropriate to celebrate the official sanction of Amsterdam residents imposing a huge tax on anyone passing through. Isn’t all this fuss a big deal about having your birthday cake and eating it?

Well, maybe not. The choice of date aside, a glance at the planned festivities reveals that they are aimed directly at Amsterdammers themselves. The grand opening concert sets the tone. The bill includes internationally renowned ensembles like the Dutch National Ballet and the Metropole Orkest, but the brightest lights shine around names like André Hazes, Rene Froger and Willeke Alberti.

Does that mean anything to you? Probably not, unless you’re Dutch, but the concert headliners are “world famous in Holland” artists, much-loved local superstars. The concert – and most specially organized events – are local celebrations.

They revel in Amsterdam’s rich cultural mix, its history of cabaret and singing – a long, strong and thriving tradition that, because it is in Dutch, does not often cross national borders. There’s even a big Amsterdam quiz throughout the city.