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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]