Published May 5, 2024
Have you ever heard of Koningsdag (Kingsday)? Or are you familiar with Sinterklaas? And have you ever eaten raw herring? Doesn't it ring a bell? No worries, we are here to tell you all about the Dutch traditions and national holidays!
Let’s start with the Dutch and their bikes.The Netherlands is well-known for its extensive network of bike paths and bike-friendly infrastructure. With over 35,000 kilometers of bike paths, the Netherlands is a paradise for cyclists. Many Dutch people use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation for daily activities such as commuting to work, running errands, or simply taking a ride in nature. The extensive network of bike paths makes the Netherlands one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world.
Another typical Dutch thing is eating raw herring (haring). Herring is a type of small, oily fish that is commonly found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Every year in June, the herring season is welcomed during the ‘Vlaggetjesdag’ event in Scheveningen (The Hague harrbour), where the first new herring are auctioned.
Eating herring has become a true tradition, where people gather to taste this delicacy. Often, herring is eaten with pickled onions, and it is customary to eat it by hand, holding the fish by the tail, while putting it into your mouth. Some of the Dutch are huge fans, some can’t even stand the thought of it.
Not a fan of raw fish? Try out the other typical Dutch snack: bitterballen. Bitterballen consists of small, round, deep-fried balls with a crispy breadcrumb coating and a savory, meat-based filling. Bitterballen are often served as appetizers or snacks in bars, restaurants, and at social gatherings in the Netherlands. They are traditionally enjoyed with mustard for dipping and are known for their crunchy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior.
The Netherlands have a variety of traditional holidays that are quite unique.
A massive celebrated holiday is Kingsday, in Dutch Koningsdag, where the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their king. On April 27th, the entire country turns orange in honor of King Willem-Alexander's birthday. People sell their second-hand items at flea markets, and streets are filled with musicians and dancers. Additionally, there are various music festivals organized throughout the country. Bonus: Most employers give their employees the day off on this holiday!
Another famous tradition is Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is a Dutch tradition primarily celebrated for children. Sinterklaas is somewhat comparable to Santa Claus. In December, Sinterklaas arrives on his steam boat (Pakjesboot) along with his helpers, the Pieten. During his stay in the Netherlands, Sinterklaas leaves gifts in children's shoes, which they may place by the fireplace or chimney in the evening (Sinterklaasavond).
Children sing traditional Sinterklaas songs and write poems and wish lists. Sinterklaas also has a horse, a white steed named Amerigo. On December 5th, Sinterklaas's birthday is celebrated with Pakjesavond. Sometimes, Sinterklaas visits houses to deliver gifts to all the children across the country. Most elementary schools pay attention to this tradition. Often as children grow older, around the age of 8, the parents tell them that Sinterklaas does not exist, and they no longer believe in him.
There are a lot of celebrations that are more local, like Brabants Carnaval in the south of The Netherlands. Depending on where you are settling down, there can also be local holidays. Here are some of the returning holidays you can expect when moving to The Netherlands:
Another important tradition not to forget is Dodenherdenking. This is the day on which victims of the Second World War are commemorated. Throughout the Netherlands, there are commemorations at war monuments. National politicians and the royal family are also always present at such commemorations, especially at De Dam in Amsterdam. It is important to remember that on May 4th, at 8 p.m., the deceased are commemorated with two minutes of silence. The entire country observes two minutes of silence at that time. It is considered highly disrespectful to make noise in public spaces during these two minutes of silence. Please ensure you are mindful of this important commemoration.
After commemorating the fallen heroes on May 4th, the Netherlands celebrates 'Bevrijdingsdag' on May 5th, marking the country's liberation during the Second World War. This celebration includes various music festivals, which are free to attend and held across the nation. However, it is important to note that this is not an official public holiday.
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