Rain or shine, Dutchies are always up and ready for terrasje pakken (grabbing a terrace). What’s the deal with that? Allow us to unpack. 🔍
Many major cities around the world take pride in their terrace culture, even prior to a global pandemic that forced people outside over health concerns.
But we’re not here to talk about the world, pfft, not while the Dutch put their own spin on something so ordinary. The Dutch really like their terraces.
What is it?
Starting with the basic definition, a terrace is the outdoor space of a catering facility where visitors can enjoy their food and drink in the open air — if the weather is good.
Terraces can be part of bars, restaurants, or coffeeshops — and they can be located anywhere from sidewalks and canal sides, to squares and rooftops.
As for the “if the weather is good” condition of the definition, residents of the lowlands don’t really care about that point. Hence, any terrace in the Netherlands is a prime year-round location for a drink. 🍻
Why do they do it?
Who even has time to wait for the weather to turn nice? 👀 Definitely not the Dutch with their limited number of sunny days and excess of rainy ones.
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They live by the “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” rule, and life just threw them generally crappy weather. How did they react?
They toughened up, got used to it, and collectively decided to hang out on a terrace for those 4 PM drinks, no. matter. what. ☔
Why is it quirky?
Sure, it’s quirky, but it’s also hella impressive. Dutch levels of persistence are off the charts if you ask us.
No matter if the temperatures start climbing down towards zero, Dutch people will sit outside — even if it means having to de-frost their stiff fingers after clinging to their must-have beer glasses for too long.
READ MORE | How to survive the Dutch winter: weather, clothing, and more
Not only do they sit outside in the wind and rain — Dutchies also hang out on terraces only a foot or so away from the surface of canal waters, knowing they could end up soaking wet after a few too many biertjes. 🌬️
They have no problem wearing full winter attire (scarves, hats, and all) for the entire outing, so they can get their precious terrace time in.
Some even create a makeshift terrace of their own to enjoy all year round. To that, we tip our hats to say bravo and kudos. 🎩
Should you join in?
If you can handle the weather outside, absolutely join the Dutch on their terrace night (or, let’s face it, day) out!
On warm days, hanging out on a terrace is the Dutch experience, where you get to enjoy the weather and bike-full scenery.
A hot tip for unconditioned internationals is to ease into it. Spend a couple of hours on a terrace with an indoor backup, and you’ll soon be fit to join in on this uncomfortable, but culturally and socially important, Dutch quirk.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!