While everyone is familiar with holidays such as Christmas and Easter, some may be wondering about the Second Day of Christmas and Easter Monday. Here’s a look at the public holidays in the Netherlands.
Remembrance Day
May 4
Remembrance Day is an annual observance, and not officially a public holiday if on a weekday. The day honours martyrs of World War II and other wars. At 20:00 on May 4 each year, a two-minute silence is held to honour their sacrifice. There are also Remembrance Gatherings held at different places in Holland.
Liberation Day
May 5
Liberation Day is celebrated to mark the end of the occupation of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany during World War II. Festivals are held on this day around the country. In the past, celebrations in The Hague included Freedom Weeks to encourage people to talk about freedom and what it means today. Activities in April and on the day itself include film screenings, walks, lectures, concerts and even a fashion show. Once every five years it’s an official day off.
Ascension Day
May 25, 2017
Ascension Day marks the day when Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven after his resurrection. It’s held forty days after Easter and is always on a Thursday. “Many Protestant churches also celebrate Ascension Day. We hold morning services at 9.30am. We will have translations available and internationals are welcome to attend,” said Reverand Hans-Jans Roosenbrand, the pastor of the Delft Project.
Whit Monday,
June 5, 2017
Whit Monday is also called the Second Day of Pentecost in the Netherlands. “You may find some services held on this day in the South of Holland, as this is primarily a Roman Catholic tradition.” explained Rev. Roosenbrand. In Delft, the day is usually marked by an Antiques Market held in the City Centre and a flea market around town.
Christmas and the Second Day of Christmas
December 25 and December 26
According to Rev. Roosenbrand, the Second Day of Christmas began as a tradition to allow families more time together. “Traditionally people would spend the first day with the Church and the second day with family,” he explained. To get you into the right spirit, the Sports en Cultuur Centre usually has a big Christmas party just before the holidays. It’s a Christmas-themed party, with live bands, DJs and festive ambience.
New Year’s Day
January 1
The Dutch have found the best solution to the New Year’s Eve hangover – a New Year’s Dive. Hundreds of people gather along the beaches of the country (or even canals) to dive into the freezing water to mark to the first day of the New Year.
Good Friday and Easter Monday
April 14 and April 17, 2017
Good Friday, which is also known as Holy Friday or Black Friday, is a religious holiday that marks the Crucifixion of Jesus. Easter celebrates his resurrection from the Death. While most countries celebrate Easter Sunday, with a big lunch and Easter eggs, the Netherlands also celebrates Tweede Paasdag, the second day of Easter.
King’s Day
April 27
Start practising your haggling skills for the tax-free markets, exercise to fit into that orange spandex and build your beer resistance. Oh and learn about the Dutch royal family – Koningsdag marks the King’s birthday.
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