History

The history of fetish culture in the Netherlands has deep roots in the country’s liberal attitudes toward sexuality, which dates back to the 17th century. By the 1980s, Amsterdam had become a global hub for alternative subcultures, with events like Wasteland leading the way. Founded in the late 1990s, Wasteland grew into one of the world’s largest international fetish fantasy events in a celebration of freedom and self-expression.

The turning point came when Wasteland’s grand event, marked by a bridge connecting two venues, captivated Saturday night traffic in Amsterdam. Onlookers were mesmerized by the wild visuals, honking horns in support—a sign that fetish culture was gaining mainstream acceptance. Wikipedia of Wasteland

In 2011, Wasteland expanded internationally, finding a second home at Berlin’s KitKatClub, and has continued to thrive for over a decade. This growth reflects the Netherlands’ progressive stance on self-expression, solidifying the country’s role in fostering acceptance and celebration of fetish fantasy culture worldwide.