Always Something to Celebrate!

Every country has its own traditions and special holidays, and the Netherlands is no different. We’ve put together a rundown of the most important dates to mark in your calendar so you know how to party like a local.

CARNIVAL - LATE FEBRUARY

Catholic in origin, this tradition takes place in the weeks leading up to Easter and is celebrated mainly by folks ‘south of the rivers’. Essentially, it’s an excuse to dress up, build floats, parade around and drink yourself silly for days. People gather from all over the country to join the festivities. Just remember to come in costume!

KING’S DAY – 27 APRIL

This is hands down the biggest birthday bash of the year. Scores of festivals, parties and outdoor jumble markets are organized to honour the birthday of King WillemAlexander. The dress code for King’s Day is simple: orange all the way!

LIBERATION DAY - 5 MAY

This national holiday marks the liberation of the Netherlands and Indonesia from German occupation in 1945 and celebrates what it means to be free. Events include the lighting of the Liberation Flame, a ceremonial Liberation Day procession in Wageningen and Liberation Day festivals all around the country. Most are free and feature special guest speakers and rising Dutch stars.

SINT-MAARTEN - 11 NOVEMBER

Don’t be surprised if a group of chanting children with lanterns come knocking on your door asking for sweets on 11 November. No, they’re not late for Halloween. This is the traditional feast day of St. Martin, in honour of which children go door to door singing songs and collecting treats as a reward. Many places also organise lantern processions after dark, for which children craft their own lanterns.

KETIKOTI - 1 JULY

Though not as well known yet as some of the other holidays, Ketikoti is an important day for many people with Surinamese and Antillean roots. With its name meaning ‘the chain is cut’, it commemorates the abolition of slavery. It is both a day of national remembrance, when people gather in places throughout the country to reflect on the legacies of slavery, and a day to celebrate.

SINTERKLAAS - 5 DECEMBER

This is a holiday for which many people start preparing long in advance and that has children glued to the telly every evening to watch the six o’clock “Sinterklaasjournaal”

– the ‘St. Nick News’ – as the big day nears. St. Nicholas and his helpers arrive from Spain by boat in midNovember and his birthday is celebrated several weeks later on 5 December with the exchange of gifts. During that period, children put out a shoe almost every night in hopes of nice surprises, and the whole country indulges in all the tasty treats this holiday has to offer. Be sure to try some kruidnoten!