Celebrations

In the Netherlands, religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are the main focus of festivities and customs. Sinterklaas, which falls on December 5, is one of the most well-liked celebrations in the Netherlands. Despite being primarily a children's festival, Sinterklaas is also observed by adults, who exchange gifts and write amusing poems about the recipients of their gifts.

Around this time, there will also be discussions about Zwarte Piet, a Sinterklaas companion who is portrayed by blackface Dutch actors. This custom has recently started to lose popularity since it offends persons of color and Dutch people who want to "maintain the peace." In fact, Zwarte Piet is frequently the focus of tense protests and counterprotests.

One of the most important national holidays in the Netherlands is Koningsdag, or King's Day. On April 27th each year, people dress entirely in orange, take part in raucous street celebrations, music performances, and flea markets.

The Netherlands has various distinctive traditions and rituals related to birthdays. At birthday celebrations, it's normal to extend "gefeliciteerd" (congratulations) to all guests in addition to the birthday person. Circle parties, when participants gather in a circle and converse while having tea and cake, are another well-known Dutch tradition.