From the Netherlands to Europe’s Best Festivals

The Netherlands is the ideal starting place for a longer tour across Europe, regardless of whether you’re new to the country or have lived here your whole life. And what better way to explore than by visiting some of the continent’s most exuberant festivals – each one a celebration of culture, history and joyous living.

King’s Day, Amsterdam

When: 27 April
Highlight: The city turns into a sea of orange!

Enjoying the King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam is a must before leaving the country. As both residents and tourists celebrate the monarch’s birthday, the Dutch capital is drenched in orange, the country’s official colour. The festivities are filled with music, street parties, and canal parades.

São João Festival, Porto

When: 23 June
Highlight: A night illuminated by fireworks and tradition!

In Porto, the São João Festival awaits. One of Portugal’s liveliest midsummer celebrations, it features music, fireworks, and the unusual custom of hitting people with soft plastic hammers to bring them good fortune.

From the regal celebrations of King’s Day to the explosive joy of São João, the journey from Amsterdam to Porto is not just about the distance covered but the cultural experiences gathered along the way.

La Tomatina, Buñol

When: Last Wednesday of August
Highlight: A riotous tomato-throwing festival!

Consider incorporating a pop of crimson into your travels to contrast with Amsterdam’s orange tones. The greatest food fight in the world, La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain, is a friendly competition where players toss tomatoes, turning the town red in the process.

Oktoberfest, Munich

When: Late September to the first weekend in October
Highlight: The world’s largest beer festival!

From the red of tomatoes to the golden hue of beer, Oktoberfest in Munich is an iconic celebration of Bavarian culture. Lederhosen, dirndls, and steins of beer contribute to the festive mood of group dining and enjoyment during this celebration.

Carnival, Venice

When: February/March
Highlight: A masquerade of history and mystery!

If you want to kick off your holidays early in the year, you could start your festival journey with the enigmatic Carnival of Venice. The city becomes a venue for historical re-enactments and masquerade balls, providing a window into its colourful past.

See the sights in a new light

Each festival is a testament to the region’s love for celebration and its penchant for turning any event into a memorable occasion. So, after you’ve discovered the beauty and culture of the Netherlands, pack your bags and let the festivals of Europe lead the way!

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

The Difference Between a Resume and a CV

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading

Home care in the Netherlands: how does it work?

Living in the Netherlands as an expat is exciting, but also comes with challenges. There’s a lot of new things you need to figure out: learning the Dutch language, all the traffic rules (and riding a bike) and how the healthcare system works. If you have an older relative that is moving to the Netherlands … Continue reading

From the Netherlands to Europe’s Best Festivals

The Netherlands is the ideal starting place for a longer tour across Europe, regardless of whether you're new to the country or have lived here your whole life. And what better way to explore than by visiting some of the continent's most exuberant festivals – each one a celebration of culture, history and joyous living. … Continue reading

Helpful Dutch apps for hay fever season: here’s what you need to know

Spring has sprung, and with that comes the start of hay fever season. If you’re part of the unlucky group that celebrates the start of spring by stocking up on hay fever tablets, you’re probably looking for ways to minimize your symptoms. In this article, we’ll tell you about some useful Dutch apps that’ll help … Continue reading

Mortgage Interest Rates in the Netherlands in 2024

Rising mortgage interest rates can have a significant impact on homebuyers and homeowners. The average interest rate for a fixed-rate mortgage in the Netherlands is currently around 4%. As interest rates increase, the cost of borrowing money to purchase or refinance a home also increases. This can make it more difficult for potential homebuyers to … Continue reading

The Holland Handbook 2024

It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 24th edition! More than twenty years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a handbook … Continue reading