Special days

While a number of public holidays still reflect the Christian roots of the country -- such as Christmas, Easter, Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) and Pentecost (Pinksteren) -- some days are uniquely Dutch. Here you can read all ...

Last modified: 16 August 2012 - Overview

The country pays homage to veterans who served the Netherlands in wars or international peacekeeping operations on the last Saturday of June closest to 29 June. The date was symbolically chosen because it was the birthday of ...

Last modified: 6 August 2012

The Dutch passion for raw herring is central to the country’s culture and entwined with its history and customs. The herring takes centre stage during Vlaggetjesdag Scheveningen.

Last modified: 27 September 2011

A remembrance ceremony is organised at the Indisch Monument in The Hague each year on 15 August to commemorate the Dutch victims of the Second World War in Asia.

Last modified: 20 August 2012

An annual tradition in The Hague is the New Year’s Dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) taken by some 10,000 people into the icy cold waters of the North Sea by the Pier at Scheveningen Beach. The event features a sea of people wearing oran ...

Last modified: 26 November 2012

Every third Tuesday in September is Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day), the opening of Dutch parliament. A festive day, children in The Hague are free from school so they may watch the procession of the Gouden Koets (Golden Coach). T ...

Last modified: 3 September 2012

Koninginnedag, or Queen’s Day, on 30 April (or celebrated on 29 April if the 30th is a Sunday) is a national holiday in the Netherlands. It started as a celebration of the Dutch monarchy.

Last modified: 29 April 2013

The Netherlands has its own way of commemorating the Second World War and celebrating the country's liberation from five years of occupation.

Last modified: 23 April 2013

Although 5 December is not an official holiday in the Netherlands, many parents traditionally leave work early so that they can celebrate 'pakjesavond' (evening when presents are given) with their children. Presents are ingen ...

Last modified: 6 December 2012