International Almere
Dutch Celebrations
The Dutch Circle Party Guide
It would be impossible to be an Expat living in the Netherlands without knowing about Invading Holland. It’s much like The Undutchables; a must-read for us all. Invading Holland is a light-hearted look into life in the Netherlands with hilarious anecdotes about having your bike stolen, an addiction to Speculoos and signs to look out […]
Bank holidays 2012 — 6 days off extra
There it was today, my first working day in 2012. Good corporate citizen that I am, I investigated straight away how I can help my company by getting maximum relaxation for as little time off as possible.
Dutch New Year: Oud en Nieuw
Oud en Nieuw consists of Oudejaarsavond (New Year’s Eve) on December 31 and Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day) on January 1 which is a public holiday. New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve is usually spent enjoying a party with friends and family or going into town to see open-air concerts and the fireworks around the city. […]
Surviving the Circle — Dutch Birthdays
Have you been invited to your first Dutch birthday? Congratulations! It’s gonna be an experience. Here some tips for a smooth first birthday party
Saint Nicholas: Sinterklaas
The Dutch have their very own tradition in December, Sinterklaas. This man should not be mistaken for Santa Claus or Father Christmas even if they do have kind of the same job. Sinterklaas does not come from the North Pole and he does not have reindeers, brownies or a red cap with a tuft. Sinterklaas […]
Queen’s Day: Koniginnendag
Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Celebrated on 30 April (the 29th if the 30th falls on a Sunday), Koninginnedag is Queen Beatrix’s official birthday.
St. Martin’s Day: St-Maarten
St. Martin’s Day on November 11th, is today mostly known for children running around the neighbourhood with dodgy lanterns and calling on you with off-pitch songs (the shorter the better). You will then have to pay them off if you want them to leave to sing at the neighbour’s door. Commonly, these payments are made in […]
Queen’s Speech: Prinsjesdag
“Prinsjesdag”: The Speech from the Throne This is the day on which the Queen addresses a joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament in the Ridderzaal or Hall of Knights in The Hague. The Speech from the Throne sets out the main features of government policy for the coming parliamentary session. The […]
Pentecost: Pinksteren
Pentecost is 10 days after Ascension Day, the 50th day of Easter. This is a Christian holiday and is two days. Shops will have irregular hours on these days.
Hemelvaart is Ascension Day
Ascension Day (hemelvaart) in the Netherlands is the 40th day of Easter and ten days before Pentecost. This is a Christian holiday. There will be irregular shop hours.
