Meet the Monsters!
Meet the nine friendly Monsters, representing eight values of the city of Amsterdam, with one important message: ‘When you are open to others, you prosper’.
Each Monster has been with Amsterdam for more than 750 years, and has evolved with and shaped the city over this time….. welcoming in new people and underpinning the open-minded and tolerant attitude of the city that has lead to its prosperity.
Read on and get to know them a little more…..they would love you to feel the benefits of the spirit of Amsterdam for yourself!
Moki: The Ageing Superhero
Moki represents Courage (one of the Xs on the city shield), and the open mindedness, tolerance and spirit of the city of Amsterdam. Over the last 750 years he has been present at the key moments in the day to day evolution of the city, and the emergence of Amsterdam as a beacon of tolerance and acceptance of difference in the world.
Despite his advancing years, and his generous muscle and stomach mass, Moki is ultimately a big softie. He’s renowned for being accident prone, but he is usually able to charm his way out of trouble.
Kiki and Kima: ‘The Love Bugs’
Kiki (hard love) and Kima (soft love) represent Compassion (another X on the city shield) for others and openness to help those in need. Their compassion for others and the compassion of the city has allowed for and supported people to come through hard times and to go on and prosper.
Kiki is full of love and compassion, with a stern hand. Moki and Kiki are partners and lovers. She is small in stature but with a big heart, and sometimes a firm hand to keep Moki in order.
Kima is soft, sweet and compassionate. A natural giver, she never ever forgets a birthday. Since she has been around for 750 years, that’s a lot of birthdays!
EJ: The DJ
EJ represents Gezzeligheid, the lovely spirit of togetherness, warmth and fun – good times leading to meeting good new people.
He’s been leading the party for more than 750 years, and shows no signs of slowing up yet. EJ never wants to miss a thing, and is always the last one to leave the party.
Uncle Buck: ‘The Trader’
Uncle Buck represents the belief that trading with others builds strong relationships, co-dependency, understanding of each other and an openness to explore more. While the beginnings of trade from Amsterdam also involved acts that we are not proud of today, nowadays its trade has evolved to create great relationships and co-dependencies with countries and cultures all around the world. Uncle Buck was there from the start – and explored the world firstly by ship and later by plane. He built great business relationships and his openness to ideas and people gave him knowledge which he brought back to Amsterdam to make the city better.
While Uncle Buck is good at making money, he is terrible at spending it! Try to get him to buy you a beer the next time you meet him…
Prudence
Prudence vertegenwoordigt behoedzaamheid. Prudence is smart and sharp, with a big heart. She is open to and cares for everyone. Prudence ensures that while today is good, there will always be enough for everyone tomorrow, no matter what happens.
She has a sweet voice and manner, and although she is elegant and confident, she is also quite modest.
Although Prudence is confident and very determined, she prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Koko (AKA 'the Notorious'): The Graffiti guy
Koko represents Artistic Expression – encouraging different forms of creative expression as a means to speak out, to convey ones identity and ideas, and to address issues and challenge existing ways of thinking. Koko has been there during the evolution of creative and artistic expression of Amsterdam, witnessing and supporting all artists through the history of the city.
Koko is notorious for spending too much time playing Fortnite, and worrying about his future.
Gretel: The Goth
Gretel represents Freedom of Expression, and Amsterdam as a city of no taboos – a place where the entitlement to speak your mind is a fundamental right. New thoughts and ideas are welcome – we are open to all!
Gretel is an introvert with little to say but with lots of valuable thought. Underestimate her at your peril! Socially awkward, sweet and misunderstood, Gretel is known for her stunning wisdoms and life insights. She loves nothing more than unwinding with her chums over a few cocktails on a Friday afternoon.
Biggie: The Baby
Biggie is the love child of Moki and Kiki, and represents the future of the open minded spirit of Amsterdam. He has the potential for the city to remain tolerant and open to all – therefore enabling it to continue to prosper. However, in order to achieve this, he needs to be nurtured and brought up with good example and guidance.
While still learning to master his magic skills, Biggie is an old soul and has wisdom beyond his years. He can’t work out why adults are messing up the planet and leaving him and his friends with the bill.
Biggie’s folks know not to wake him up before 8 in the morning – otherwise the day can be a disaster!
