New York/Amsterdam - The history of the Big Apple began 400 years ago when the Dutch ship, the Halve Maen, commanded by Captain Henry Hudson arrived at what is now Manhattan.
The ship embarked on its journey in Amsterdam and both cities are celebrating the anniversary over the coming months with a series of parties, parades and concerts.
Amsterdam is hosting New York jazz nights while the Big Apple has invited some big names from The Netherlands such as Dans Theater II and the country's symphony orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Events begin on April 6 - the 400th anniversary of the day the Maen, flying under the flag of the Royal Dutch East India Company, began its journey westwards with the Englishman Hudson on board.