As we make our way through March, we’re finally…nearly…possibly able to say goodbye to the winter that had us all curled up in hibernation for the last few months.
Instead of the brutal winds of our odd cycling adventures to get groceries, we can now enjoy the gentle(ish) winds of spring in the Netherlands.
Lambs are skipping around the fields with glee. Now, we too can skip, jog, walk or crawl (depending on the *intensity* of your winter hibernation) around the blossoming parks.
Yep, the grey days are becoming brighter, and the general hallmarks of a Dutch spring are starting to appear — let’s check them out. 👇
1. You may see a Rokjesdag (Skirt day!) or two
That’s right, the Dutch actually have a day called “skirt day”.
In short (pun intended), Rokjesdag is the first day of the year that allows anyone who wishes to free their legs the chance to do so when it’s warm enough.
Made popular by the Dutch writer and Rokjesdag lover Martin Bril, Rokjesdag is no longer merely a day but in fact, symbolic of the start of spring.
Rokjesdag is die ene dag in het voorjaar dat alle vrouwen als bij toverslag ineens een rok dragen, met daaronder blote benen. – Martin Bril
Translation: Skirt Day is the one day in the spring when, as if by magic, all women suddenly wear a skirt, with bare legs underneath.
Naturally dictated by the ever-changing Dutch weather, there is not a fixed day on the calendar to mark this unofficial holiday. 💃
2. You can finally chill on the terras (in the relaxing sense)
As soon as the sun shines in the Netherlands (for more than an hour), the large open squares that were previously desolate suddenly transform into huge seating areas.
Every man and his dog grabs a chair and biertje to soak up some long-awaited Vitamin D. Streets that were once empty and soulless turn into joyfully gezellig hotspots.
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #115: Sit on terraces year-round
Are you ready? To fully enjoy this experience, you must be quick: the terrassen fill up quickly — and the Dutch don’t do queues.
Once they open, catapult yourself into the first available seat and enjoy getting tipsy (zat) in the splendid spring sunshine!
3. You’ll see some happy cows (yes, seriously!)
Cows?! I know, the cow is not exactly the first farmyard animal that pops into your head when you think of spring.
Normally, it’s the birth of fluffy lambs, bunny rabbits and cute little chicks that melt even the coldest of hearts as we gear up for Easter egg hunts and picnicking in the parks. 🐣
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #78: Watch the cows dance when they’re let out for the spring
However, springtime for the humble cow means freedom from their dark and dreary winter shelters.
They are finally free to skip, mooch and chill out in the fresh air they’ve missed so much.
4. It’s time for tulips, tulips, tulips (and of course, many other beautiful flowers)!
Unless you were hibernating, you couldn’t have missed the brightly coloured crocuses and daffodils shooting up around all the parks, or the pretty pink cherry blossoms that scatter the once-grey trees.
READ MORE | Dutch tulip season: where to see the best flower fields in the Netherlands
Of course, spring would simply not be spring in the Netherlands without the beloved tulip.
Fields upon fields of the unofficial Dutch flower have come into bloom and the striking colours of the flowers are certainly a sight to behold!
5. Soon you’ll see orange everything!
Along with the brighter days and longer evenings, there is another strange and somewhat remarkable Dutch occurrence that indicates the start of spring.
Each year, sure enough, just as spring approaches, the shops simultaneously begin to fill up with items in a bold and almost blinding shade of orange. (That very few people can actually pull off.)
READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #44: Wear way, way, way too much orange
This is in preparation for the Koningsdag (King’s Day) celebrations that kick off on April 27!
Koningsdag is the biggest party in the Netherlands, celebrating the King’s birthday. So, stock up on orange and keep the tradition going. 🍊
Become the ultimate Dutch spring-thusiast by throwing on an orange skirt, waltzing around a tulip field (preferably with some dancing cows nearby) and grabbing a beer on a sunny terrace. It’s the perfect seasonal recipe!
What are your dead giveaways that spring is coming in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Nice write up. Hearing about the rokjesdag for the first time.