Want to experience a fresh take on a precious piece of history? Check out this Dieric Bouts exhibition at Leuven's "New Horizons" festival! Mysterious, evasive, and rich — those are just some of the adjectives used to describe Bouts' hauntingly beautiful, timeless works of art. 🖼 A Renaissance artist, Bouts was born in Haarlem and […]
Got kids? Need to entertain them? Wereldmuseum Leiden is hosting the party of the season to celebrate the closing of their Animal Academy — and it's not something you or your kids will want to miss! The beloved DierenAcademie (Animal Academy) exhibition will be closing its doors on October 29 after a successful stint at […]
Time to unleash that inner film buff and grab the popcorn because the 18th edition of the Leiden International Film Festival is ready to welcome you all! 🎉 Whether you're an avid cinephile or just want to unwind in front of some of this year's best films, LIFF puts a spotlight on all the independent, […]
If you’re eager to go trick or treating on All Hallow’s Eve, you will probably be disappointed by the weird looks you’ll get from your Dutch neighbours. While Halloween is not really a big thing in the Netherlands, some elements of the American holiday have started to creep in. You may notice a few Dutch […]
On this day, the clock falls back one hour from 3 AM to 2 AM, meaning you’re getting a whole extra hour to sleep at night! On the other hand, it also means that the days are getting shorter, dark nights longer, and winter is coming in fast. READ MORE | Does the Netherlands have […]
If you were disappointed by the lack of Halloween parties, Sint-Maarten celebrations may make up for it! Some Dutch cities take this seriously, with parades, bonfires, and lantern tours. Sint-Maarten is an exciting day, especially for children. Pumpkins, turnips, and beetroot are turned into spooky lanterns, and kids sing songs in exchange for fruit and […]
Have you set your heart on a new build home in the Netherlands? Wise decision! However, before you sign the dotted line, you should make sure you know all you can about mortgaging a new build. Your choice of mortgage is very important. That's why Viisi and Hyde Park have decided to host a seminar […]
Sinterklaas is one holiday where the Dutch go all out on big celebrations and exciting traditions. While the youngsters sit their shoes under the chimney to receive chocoladeletters (chocolate letters) and other sweet treats, the adults can celebrate the holiday by giving out tailored gifts or writing poems. You’ll find the popular kruidnoten and pepernoten […]
Slowly but surely, 2023 is coming to an end. That means it's time to wrap up those New Year's resolutions you had, like learning Nederlands! Well, why not come together and share some laughs with other internationals — all while taking your Dutch skills to the next level? 🚀 Sound good? Dutch Brainwash makes it possible! […]
Since Sinterklaas has already dropped off his presents on December 5, the Kerstavond is not much of a reason to celebrate. Pretty much a regular day, the Dutchies may spend it having dinner with family and friends, or simply enjoying the general merriment over the holidays. Don’t be surprised if you’re expected to show up […]
Also known as the first day of Christmas in the Netherlands, Christmas Day is usually celebrated with the family. Don’t expect to see a turkey dinner or any Christmas pudding. The Dutch traditionally eat gourmetten (an assortment of grilled meats and veg). Presents are exchanged, drinks are drunk, and general Christmas merriment is also in […]
Boxing Day is for lounging around and eating leftover turkey, right? Not in the Netherlands. Unlike in most cultures, the Second Day of Christmas is a big deal to the Dutch — just as important as December 25. You will typically visit the other side of the family than who you spent Christmas Day with. […]
