AnimaliWild or large animals are practically nonexistent in the Netherlands, but lots of livestock can ... più ClimaThe Netherlands has a maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature ... più CaseIn almost all older towns and cities of the Netherlands you can see houses built ... più NaturaThe Netherlands is extremely flat, and water is everywhere: lakes, rivers, (natural) ports and canals ... più GenteThe population of the Netherlands was estimated at 16,491,461 in 2006. Dutch and Frisian are ... più ReligioneThe Netherlands has no state religion, but over thirty percent of the people are Roman ... più NegozioAll kinds of shops can be found in the Netherlands, from shopping malls to stalls. ... più SpecialitàThe Netherlands is famous for many things, but especially for it's windmills, it's many lively ... più StradeStreets in the Netherlands are generally in good condition, and are usually either asphalted, or ... più TrasportoFor getting around in the Netherlands, trains and private cars are popular means of transportaion. ... più LavoroA majority of the Dutch workforce is employed in services, less in manufacturing and construction, ... più GiochiThe most popular sports, both for active participation and audience are football, cycling, speed skating, ... più ScuoleCompulsory education in the Netherlands starts at the age of five, although in practice, most ... più CiboA traditional Dutch dinner can consist e.g. of boiled potatoes, panfried meat (popular choices are ... più
|
|
Queen's Day (Dutch: Koninginnedag) on April 30 (or celebrated on April 29 if the 30th is Sunday) is a national holiday in the Netherlands that started as a celebration of the Dutch monarchy. Queen's Day is in Amsterdam celebrated as a big open air party with lots of entertainment. Most people wear orange that day. Trading laws are lifted for the day so anyone can sell whatever they want on the street, and many people use this occasion to clean out the closets and sell their stuff in small street stalls.
The Sinterklaas feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey and became the patron saint of children based on various legends that include resurrecting children from death and saving them from prostitution.
Sinterklaas has a long white beard, wears a red bishop's dress and red mitre (bishop's hat), and holds a crosier, a long gold coloured staff with a fancy curled top. Sinterklaas carries a big book with all the children's names in it, which states whether they have been good or naughty (zoet of stout) in the past year. Sinterklaas is assisted by many helpers with black faces and colourful outfits, modelled after 16th century Spanish clothing. These helpers are called Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) in Dutch. Sinterklaas traditionally arrives each year in November by steamboat from Spain, and is then paraded through the streets, welcomed by cheering and singing children. His Zwarte Piet helpers throw candy and pepernoten into the crowd. The children welcome him by singing traditional Sinterklaas songs. |
Dutch people celebrating Queen's Day in Amsterdam | 
Man dressed up for Queen's Day | 
Wearing the proper Queen's Day outfit | 
Queen's Day celebration in Amsterdam | 
Sinterklaas is arriving in Amsterdam from Spain | 
Sinterklaas waving from his boat | 
One of the many Zwarte Piets | 
Boy wearing Sinterklaas hat | 
Children in Amsterdam waiting for Sinterklaas, and candy |
|
][
][
][
]] 