Sinterklaas
About three weeks before December 5 'Sinterklaas' and his helps 'Zwarte pieten' are arriving in town by steamboat from Spain ('Sinterklaas intocht'). Sinterklaas is an old man with a long grey beard and red, yellow and white clothes and a big hat which is called a 'mijter'. The helps are white people who are painted with black make-up and a curly wig. They are not intended as slaves or insulting to black people, they are just part of the Dutch culture! After Sinterklaas is arrived in Holland, he will visit children at schools, sport clubs etc. to give them cookies and candies called 'pepernoten' and 'schuimpjes'. On December 5, he might visit your house with his big book that tells you whether you have been good or bad. If you have been good, you will receive presents.
Arrival of Sinterklaas and his Pieten
Christmas
After Sinterklaas, the Dutch people start with Christmas. During Christmas almost every house has a christmas tree, christmas lights, and christmas presents. On December 24 it is Christmas eve and the 25th and 26th we have first and second Christmas day. Generally, families celebrate these days with their families and loved ones. A typical way to celebrate Christmas is to gourmet, have drinks, and give each other presents.
Queensday/Kingsday
Queensday, nowadays Kingsday, is a public holiday to celebrate the birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother, Juliana. However, it is changed now since Prince Willem Alexander is the new King. On this day there will be several markets with second hand stuff, bars and cafes are overloaded with orange dressed people, and there will be different activities to do for children.
Newyear
Dutch commercial for Gourmet meat with Christmas
Queensday/Kingsday
Queensday, nowadays Kingsday, is a public holiday to celebrate the birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother, Juliana. However, it is changed now since Prince Willem Alexander is the new King. On this day there will be several markets with second hand stuff, bars and cafes are overloaded with orange dressed people, and there will be different activities to do for children.
Newyear
On the 31th of December the Dutch will celebrate new year's eve eating 'oliebollen' with sugar powder, and at 12 o'clock we will start the fireworks, pop the champagne, and wish everyone a happy new year!
Oliebollen taste very good!! (like donut)
Easter (Pasen)
Easter take place the end of March or April. The Dutch are very keen on Easter eggs and spring-related decorations. The Dutch children like to paint boiled eggs in pretty patterns. Besides that, Dutch people have a nice breakfast, lunch or brunch with Easter.
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