| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Apr 27,2023 | King's Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 04,2023 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| Friday | May 05,2023 | Liberation Day | Public Sector |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Saturday | Jul 01,2023 | Keti Koti | Observance |
| Tuesday | Dec 05,2023 | St Nicholas' Eve/Sinterklaas | Observance |
| Wednesday | Dec 06,2023 | St Nicholas' Day | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Second Day of Christmas | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, known as "Nieuwjaarsdag" in Dutch, is celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for joyous festivities and fireworks. Dutch people often exchange wishes and greetings, and many communities organize public events to welcome the year ahead with music and dance. The holiday holds cultural importance as it symbolizes a fresh start and the opportunity for new beginnings. It's a time for reflection and setting resolutions for the year ahead.
Valentine's Day, known as "Valentijnsdag" in Dutch, is celebrated on February 14th, much like in many other countries. It's a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to partners and loved ones. Dutch people exchange heartfelt cards, flowers, and romantic gifts on this day. While it has no deep historical roots in the Netherlands, it's embraced as a day to celebrate love and strengthen relationships, making it a part of modern Dutch culture.
Good Friday, or "Goede Vrijdag" in Dutch, falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a solemn holiday observed to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Dutch Christians attend church services and participate in processions on this day. It holds significant cultural importance as a day of reflection and devotion, reminding people of the religious heritage and values of the Netherlands.
Easter Sunday, known as "Eerste Paasdag" in Dutch, is a Christian holiday celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Dutch people celebrate by attending church services and enjoying festive meals with family and friends. It signifies the resurrection and the triumph of life over death, carrying profound cultural and religious significance in the Netherlands.
Easter Monday, or "Tweede Paasdag" in Dutch, is the day after Easter Sunday. It is a continuation of the Easter celebration, marked by family gatherings, outdoor activities, and delicious Easter brunches. While not as religiously significant as Easter Sunday, it remains an important part of the Easter holiday weekend and allows people to extend their time with loved ones, emphasizing family bonds and unity.
King's Birthday, or "Koningsdag," is celebrated on April 27th in honor of the birthday of the reigning monarch. It's a vibrant national holiday where Dutch people dress in orange, participate in street parties, and enjoy outdoor markets. The holiday is a symbol of unity and Dutch pride, celebrating the monarchy and the country's culture. It's one of the most colorful and anticipated events in the Netherlands, and it promotes a sense of national identity.
Remembrance Day, known as "Dodenherdenking," is observed on May 4th. It is a solemn occasion to remember and honor the Dutch civilians and soldiers who died in World War II and subsequent conflicts. At 8:00 PM, a nationwide two-minute silence is observed, followed by memorial ceremonies. This day holds immense cultural importance as it fosters reflection on the nation's history and the sacrifices made for freedom and peace.
Liberation Day, or "Bevrijdingsdag," is celebrated on May 5th. It commemorates the end of the German occupation during World War II. Dutch people celebrate with music festivals, parades, and various cultural events. Liberation Day is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the resilience of the Dutch people. It emphasizes the importance of human rights and serves as a reminder of the country's struggle for liberty.
Mother's Day, known as "Moederdag" in Dutch, is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It's a day to honor and show appreciation for mothers and maternal figures. Dutch children often give gifts, cards, and flowers to their mothers as a token of love and gratitude. While Mother's Day is a global celebration, it holds cultural significance in the Netherlands as a day to cherish the strong maternal bonds that are integral to Dutch families.
Ascension Day, or "Hemelvaartsdag" in Dutch, falls on the 40th day of Easter. It commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. Many Dutch people take the day off work to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and recreational activities. It's a day to appreciate the beauty of the Dutch landscape and the arrival of spring. Ascension Day combines religious significance with a cultural appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Whit Sunday, known as "Eerste Pinksterdag" in Dutch, is celebrated seven weeks after Easter Sunday. It marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Dutch Christians attend church services, and families gather for special meals. It carries cultural importance as a continuation of the Easter season and a reminder of the Christian faith's role in Dutch history and society.
Whit Monday, or "Tweede Pinksterdag" in Dutch, follows Whit Sunday and is a public holiday. It's a day for leisure and relaxation, with many people enjoying outdoor activities and picnics. While not as religiously significant as Whit Sunday, it offers a welcome break and the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Netherlands. It reflects the Dutch love for the outdoors and quality time with family and friends.
Father's Day, known as "Vaderdag" in Dutch, is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. It's a day to honor fathers and paternal figures by giving gifts and spending quality time together. Dutch children often create handmade cards and presents for their fathers. Father's Day highlights the importance of strong father-child relationships and is a cherished occasion for Dutch families to express their love and gratitude.
Keti Koti, meaning "Broken Chains" in Surinamese, is celebrated on July 1st. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the former Dutch colonies, particularly Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean. Dutch people of all backgrounds participate in cultural events, music, and discussions about slavery's legacy. Keti Koti represents a commitment to justice and equality, fostering cultural understanding and recognition of the Netherlands' colonial history.
St Nicholas' Eve, or "Sinterklaasavond," is celebrated on December 5th, preceding St Nicholas' Day. It's a beloved Dutch holiday where children receive gifts from Sinterklaas (St Nicholas). Families exchange presents, and traditional Sinterklaas sweets, such as pepernoten and chocolate letters, are enjoyed. The holiday has deep cultural roots and plays a significant role in Dutch family life, bringing joy and excitement to the winter season.
St Nicholas' Day, or "Sinterklaas," is celebrated on December 6th. It commemorates the feast day of St Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors. Dutch children wake up to find gifts and treats left by Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as "Zwarte Pieten." The holiday is steeped in tradition and is a cherished part of Dutch culture, especially for the young ones who eagerly anticipate the arrival of Sinterklaas each year.
Christmas Eve, or "Kerstavond" in Dutch, is celebrated on December 24th, marking the evening before Christmas Day. Many Dutch families attend church services and enjoy festive meals together. It's a time for exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Christmas Eve carries cultural importance as a time for togetherness, reflection, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Day, known as "Eerste Kerstdag" in Dutch, is observed on December 25th. It's a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Dutch families gather for special meals, exchange gifts, and attend church services. The holiday is a time for reflection on the meaning of Christmas and the importance of family and faith. It holds deep cultural significance as a time of unity and celebration.
The Second Day of Christmas, or "Tweede Kerstdag," is celebrated on December 26th. It's a continuation of the Christmas festivities, with many Dutch people visiting extended family and friends. It's a day to relax, play games, and enjoy leftover Christmas treats. While it has no specific religious significance, it reinforces the importance of spending quality time with loved ones during the holiday season.
New Year's Eve, known as "Oudejaarsavond" in Dutch, is celebrated on December 31st. It's a night of joyous gatherings, fireworks, and parties to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Dutch people enjoy traditional oliebollen (deep-fried doughnuts) and watch the national countdown on television. New Year's Eve signifies a sense of closure and anticipation, uniting people in hope for a prosperous year ahead.
