As part of its latest exhibit, 'In Brilliant Light,' Wereldmuseum Leiden provides a platform for contemporary African art — and we're very excited.  Opening its doors to the public on 21 December, Wereldmuseum Leiden's exhibit allows us to celebrate and admire the rich and diverse artwork of Africa and its diaspora. Guest-curated by Azu Nwagbogu, […]

Happy birthday King Willem-Alexander! The tradition of celebrating the monarch’s birthday is over 100 years old, but we’re guessing it used to be a lot more formal. Today, Koningsdag is known for the vrijmarkt (free market) which is basically a big yard sale, and oranjegekte (orange madness). When the Dutch say madness, they really mean […]

As an expat in the Netherlands, one question often plagues your mind: If I was to stay here, how do I buy a house? Am I even eligible for one?  Whether you've decided to put down roots and own your own home, or you're just curious about the process of becoming a homeowner in the […]

Freedom is a huge part of the Dutch culture and this day pays a tribute to all those who gave their lives for it. On Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day), a royal memorium is presented by the king and the queen at the Dam square. Another important tradition is holding a two-minute silence to commemorate the victims […]

The Dutch love their freedom and on this day, they take to the streets to celebrate it. A day full of festivals, parades, and concerts, May 5 commemorates the end of the German occupation of the Netherlands at the end of WWII. As part of the celebrations, the liberation flame is lit every year in […]

Did you know that in the Netherlands, Mother’s Day is associated with flowers? So much so that it used to be referred to by the name Moederdag-Bloemendag (Mother’s Day - Flower Day) in the mid-’30s. This was pushed by florists to give a seasonal boost to the flower industry. Now that’s what you call a […]

Choosing a school for your child is an enormous responsibility — after all, you’re laying the first stepping stone for the rest of their life. But how can you set your child up for success while prioritising their unique strengths and passions? Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR) helps you do exactly that. With 60-plus […]

Whit Sunday is part of what the Dutchies call the Pentecost. What is it all about? Originally a Christian holiday, nowadays Pentecost is about enjoying time off with family and friends or singing your heart out at outdoor music festivals. And the most popular one that takes place during this long weekend? Pinkpop! READ MORE […]

Whether you're an art enthusiast in need of inspiration or simply looking for something to do on a sunny day, look no further than Middelheim Museum's newest open-air exhibition. As a collaboration with De Singel international arts centre in Antwerp, the "COME CLOSER" exhibit displays a variety of artistic forms, made by 25 talented artists […]

While Father’s Day (Vaderdag) may not be as famous as Mother’s Day, it definitely does put the dads in the spotlight. In the Netherlands, dads might be surprised with breakfast in bed or other little gifts from their children. And the best part? They get an excuse to take the day off from doing any […]

June solstice, also known as summer solstice or midsummer, celebrates the longest day of the year. Sounds like a great excuse to have your garden party until late in the evening, no? READ MORE | It’s the longest day of the year! And it’ll be a hot one too

If you wish to enjoy an extra day of celebrations this year, head to Leiden on October 3. You’ll find the bars and streets filled with people drinking, dancing, enjoying a traditional stew, and stuffing themselves with haring. To celebrate Leiden’s liberation from the Spanish in 1574, the lucky Leidenaars get the day off work […]