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!
Mortgage Interest Rates in the Neth ...
Mortgage interest rates can have a significant impact on homebuyers and homeowners. The average interest ...
Dutch 30%-ruling Tax Facility
The 30%-ruling is a tax advantage, created for employees who are posted or recruited ...
Obtaining a Mortgage as an Expat in ...
Obtaining a mortgage as an expat in the Netherlands can be a complex process, as ...
Banking made easy with ABN AMRO
When preparing to live in another country, you are instantly faced with the hurdles of ...
Four Legal Differences You Need to ...
Relocating to any country is a big step. Aside from all the cultural differences and ...
Patchwork Family
‘Patchwork families’ are families made up of parents and children, whereby one – or both – of ...
Estate Planning: Is That What We’ ...
Don’t we all want the best for our children? We provide them with a ...
Divorce, Death and Inheritance in N ...
It is natural to believe that if you divorce your husband or wife you will ...
Inheritance tax in NL
It is a great gift to inherit anything from a family member or close connection ...
Legal Problems in the Netherlands
However law abiding a citizen you are, it is unlikely that you will never come ...