Alkmaar: a typical Dutch town
Important days in the Netherlands
There are several holidays in the Netherlands, each of which has its own meaning. Below are the main holidays and what people often do during these days:
New Year’s Day (January 1)
This is the first day of the new year and many people celebrate it with family or friends. People wish each other all the best for the new year.
1. Happy new year
2. Best wishes for the new year
King’s Day (April 27)
This is King Willem-Alexander’s birthday and is celebrated with parties, markets and festivals. You see the color orange everywhere and people sell second-hand stuff on the free markets, which are markets where everyone can stand. King’s day in Dutch is:
Remenbrance day and liberation day
May 4
Before Liberation Day, there is an important day called Remembrance Day, which falls on May 4. On this day, we take time (1 minute silence at 8 PM) to remember and honor the victims of wars in general. It’s a day to reflect on the impact of wars and to show respect for those who have suffered because of them.
Remembrance day in Dutch means remember the people that died:
May 5
Liberation Day (May 5): The day after Remembrance day. This is a special day in the Netherlands. It marks the liberation of the country from the German occupation during World War II in 1945. On this day, we celebrate the fact that we are now a free country. Liberation Day is celebrated with festivals and activities that honor and celebrate freedom.
Liberation day in Dutch is:
Christmas
Christmas (December 25 and 26): Christmas is a very important holiday, especially for Christians. It is a special day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians go to church and spend time with their family and friends. However, nowadays, it has also become a typical “family-day” for people who are not Christians.
During Christmas, people often have big meals together and exchange gifts. Many people also decorate a Christmas tree in their homes with ornaments, garlands, and lights. It’s a festive time when families come together to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Easter (date varies by year)
Easter (date varies by year)
Easter is a holiday celebrated by Christians to remember the coming back to live of Jesus Christ. Many Christians attend church services and spend time with their loved ones on this day. However, in the Netherlands, Easter is also a national holiday. This means that everyone has a day off on Sunday and the following Monday. It’s a time when people have the opportunity to visit their relatives and enjoy delicious food together.
A popular Easter tradition is an egg hunt, where eggs are hidden, often in a garden, and children search for them. It’s a fun activity that adds excitement to the celebration of Easter.
Carnaval
Carnival, also known as “Carnaval” in Dutch, is a festival celebrated in the southern part of the Netherlands, mainly in the provinces Noord-Brabant and Limburg. It happens before a period of fasting, and is a time of fun and celebration. By the way, not many people in the Netherlands actually fast after Carnival.
During Carnival, people wear costumes and masks, and there are parades and street parties. The festival has a tradition of humor and making fun of things, including politics. The parades often have funny and satirical themes.
Summer and winter vacation
The longest vacation is the summer vacation. Families often go to southern countries because it is warmer there. France and Spain are very popular.
The second major holiday is winter holidays. It usually runs from Christmas through the first week of the new year.