Page 38 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

36  INTRODUCING THE NE THERLANDS

THE NETHERLANDS
THROUGH THE YEAR

The Netherlands has much to offer in Rotterdam, are much more modern.
the way of holidays, festivals and other Many of the events are held to honour
events. The choice of cultural events is naviga tion and fishing, such as Flag
greatest in summer – several cities host Day (Vlaggetjesdag), held each May
theatre festivals in June. Some festivals, in Scheveningen. Music, too, plays a
such as Leiden’s 3-Oktoberfeesten, have prominent role. The world-renowned
deep historical roots, whereas others, such North Sea Jazz festival brings the
as the multicultural Zomercarnaval in genre’s greats to Rotterdam.

Spring
In March, daffodils and
crocuses burst into bloom
in the country’s towns and
villages. From mid-April
onwards, when the tulips
are in flower, the bulb fields
along the Dutch coast are
a spectacular sight to see.
March
Meezing Matthäus (Easter),
Amsterdam and elsewhere.
Concert-goers are welcome
to sing along during many Blossoming fruit tree in the Betuwe
performances of Bach’s
St Matthew’s Passion. of Brielle (Den Briel) recreate in the country are opened
Keukenhof (end Mar to mid- the 1572 recovery of the up to the public.
May), near Lisse. These 32 ha city from the Spaniards. Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day)
(79 acres) of landscape Foto Biënnale (Apr to Jul), (May), Scheveningen. The
gardens demonstrate the Amsterdam and other cities. arrival of the first herring catch
best of all the flowers Holland Biannual international of the season is celebrated
has to offer. This open-air photography exhibition takes with demonstrations of
exhibition was started in place in even-numbered years. traditional fishing-related
1949, and has become Bloemen Corso (Flower crafts, music and a race.
internationally renowned. Competition) (late Apr), Aspergerie Primeur
Bollenstreek. Floats with floral (Ascension Day), Venlo. In
April sculptures travel a 40-km a festive atmosphere on a
First of April Celebrations, (25-mile) route through re-created old-time village
Brielle. Dressed in 16th-century- Haarlem, Hillegom, Lisse green, visitors can tuck into
style clothing, the inhabitants and Noordwijk. deliciously cooked asparagus.
Koningsdag (King’s Day) Keidagen (around Ascension
(27 Apr). The birthday of King Day), Lochem. Five days of
Willem-Alexander sees
festivities throughout the
land; the biggest event is
held in Amsterdam.
May
Landelijke Fietsmaand
(National Cycling Month)
(all month). Cycling activities
throughout the country.
Nationale Moldendag
(National Windmill Day)
A young street musician on King’s Day (second Sat in May). Some Flag Day, the start of the new herring
in Amsterdam 600 of the 1,000 windmills fishing season

036-037_EW_Netherlands.indd 36 16/01/17 12:02 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Highlights template V2 (OpenType) “UK” LAYER
Date 18th January 2007
Size 125mm x 217mm