Traditions and everyday life in NetherlandsFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Netherlands. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
99 keepsakes from Netherlands · page 2 of 4
J live here in Brunssum, Limburg, The Netherlands. Brunssum is host to Allied Joint Force Command HQ Brunssum (formerly Afcent). Near Brunssum, in Geilenkirchen Germany there is the village AWACS. Brunssum is very pittoresque and…
Shared by Mereen
Elfstedentocht is literally translated to 'eleven cities tour'. it's a dutch event that takes place when there is enough ice on the canals and rivers to go ice skating around almost the entire country. it goes through 11 cities…
Shared by daantje8
King’s day is a national holiday in The Netherlands. It is celebrated on april 27th (birthday of our king Willen-Alexander). Everyone celebrates it by wearing orange (our national color), partying, concerts, eating special…
Shared by Fleurrr
Sinterklaas is a tradition that the most Dutch people celebrate ? It is a lotttt like Christmas but then a man on a horse and his helpers bring the presents ? it is a lovely moment for the children and elders. Some people think…
Shared by Nikitafromthenetherlands
Ever since I was little, using the train has been a fun activity. Now, it represents how I get to work, how I go to see my friends and family. It's a time for reading, working or just looking out of the window. It means you are…
Shared by AliPax
At the beginning of the fasting period, we celebrate Carnaval (feast of meat) in the south of the Netherlands and Germany. This is also called Alaaf or vasteloavond. The event consists of a parade of ludicrously made wagons and…
Shared by Philippe00
Golden, crispy fries are piled high, smothered in a mix of mayonnaise, curry ketchup, and finely chopped onions—also known as a “frietje speciaal.” To the side, two deep-fried, golden-brown “kaassoufflés” add a cheesy indulgence…
Shared by Ivy Ivii
this is a Delicious snack. it is two thin wafels held together by caramel syrup. When you go to the Netherlands DO NOT get a stroopwafel at those fancy tents. Stroopwafels do not need to be good and cost 6 euros. Go to a local…
Shared by Mus1cl0vr
Den Bosch is a city in the southern part of The Netherlands. It's not as big as Amsterdam, but it has many of the same charms. Beautiful canals (you can do a boat tour), a lively shopping centre, and historic buildings! One of…
Shared by Newt_
So much Fun. On the bithday of the King we all have a holiday. We dress in Orange, we dance, sing, eat and share good times together. Our King Willem Alexander and his queen Maxima visit a city in the Netherlands and celebrate…
Shared by Belinda Julsing
If there is a season you should be around for another experience. Please visit glow in the beginning of november. You will be surprised with the light shows, creative art pieces and the city is bussing with locals and…
Shared by Miffyloverdutchy
VrijMiBo stands for Vrijdag Middag Borrel (translated: Friday Afternoon Drinks). On Friday we gather for a beer after work or school. It's main purpose is to destress, socialize and celebrate the beginning of the weekend. I am…
Shared by CharisLaP
In Holland we like 'drop', in English: licorice. We love it and we have many types. There are even chocolate bars with licorice flavor. And vice versa: there is chocolate-flavored licorice.Many foreigners do not understand why…
Shared by Jinthe
My favourite place in my country is the Efteling. It's a fairytale theme park with lots of fun rides, a fairytale forest and amazing actors. Foreigners will describe it as the Dutch disneyland. I can recommend this place to…
Shared by heyk0ta
every year on 1 januari people would celebrate the new year by jumping into the ice-cold sea on the North and West side of the country. It's often sponsored by big companies in The Netherlands. Not everybody does this of course…
Shared by MaartenVanDenBerg
If you want to make friends in The Netherlands, make sure you have the Tikkie app on your phone. As soon as we do something together I will ask you to send me a Tikkie so I can pay my share! Even if I only owe you €0.01, you can…
Shared by L30n13
Every year around February the carnival in the netherlands starts, especially in the south. It’s widely celebrated and every town/district celebrates it in its own way. It’s a lot of fun and you get to know the town’s culture…
Shared by lavender03
In The Netherlands we celebrate birthdays quite funny if I can say so. We mainly sit in a circle while eating cheese and meat on a little stick! We call this ''kring verjaardag" which translates literally into circle birthday :D
Shared by lisxo5
On Koningsdag we Dutch celebrate the birthday of the king. We do this by having a fleemarket, festivals and every year, the king visits a different city or town. People usually dress up in orange as it is our national colour!
Shared by Spood
Kingsday is a day in April that we celabrate our king’s birthday. Kingsday consists of kings night and kings day. The night before ( kings night) the whole netherlands goes into the city they live in and drink beer and party
Shared by Amador
Iti is the largest multiple day marching event in the world. The participants (from all over the world) walk 30, 40 or 50 km a day. During the event the whole city is crammed with festivities and cultural activities.
Shared by Uiltje37
The Dutch are known for their stews. In winter these stews are quite popular. Like 'hutspot' (onions, carrots and mashed potatoes) and 'boerenkool' (kale). Most of the time it's served with smoked sausage or bacon.
Shared by RRB86
The Netherlands are very friendly to tourists. Espaccially in the big city's and most of the time they make an effort to speak in a language that is not their own.However most dutch People speak enlish anyway.
Shared by Milao24
Planning daytrips or going for a weekend or longer to the Dutch Wadden islands is something Dutch people love to do. It gives you the feeling of being away for a day or longer, in fresh air and nature.
Shared by Piece of Dutch cheese
Once a year, from November to 5 December Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands. His birthday is the 5th of December and that’s when we have something called ‘pakjesavond’ when we all get presents.
Shared by missfleurfromzante
it is a dutch thing, called kapsalon. on top u have sauce called garlic sauce (knoflook saus) and a spicy one (called sambal). then u have the meat, chicken or beef. ofc the cheese and as last fries
Shared by emran
Little circles of gingerbread. We eat them at sinterklaas (5th of december) and we complain each year that they start selling them in august. You can also buy them with chocolate or other shells.
Shared by meto
The Efteling is a fairy tale themepark and is the biggest themepark in the Netherlands. I love to go there at least once a year to enjoy the nice atmosphere and the stories every rides tells.
Shared by FirbolgFightclub
Knedliki is like a dough with sauce and meat. This is one of the best foods ever, my mom makes it for me and i like my moms recipe the best. I’m pretty sure she got it from her great grandma.
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