Netherlands Public Holiday Calendar

Overview of Holidays in the Netherlands

• Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
  Commemorates the miracle of Jesus Christ's resurrection on the third day after being crucified and executed.
  Good Friday is a day to mourn the death of Jesus. Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate the resurrection. The day after Easter (Easter Monday) is also a public holiday in many countries.
• King's Day
  The birthday of the current King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, who ascended the throne in 2013. The streets are filled with orange decorations, which is the official color of the Dutch Royal Family.
• Liberation Day
  Commemorates the day the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi Germany (May 5, 1945). While celebrations take place every year, it is an official paid holiday only once every five years (years ending in 0 or 5).
• Ascension Day
  Commemorates the bodily ascension of the resurrected Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of his disciples. This holiday is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter (the resurrection of Jesus).
• Whitsun (Pentecost), Whit Monday
  Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. This event is said to have occurred on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus.

National Flag and Anthem of the Netherlands

National Flag

The flag of the Netherlands is a tricolor. Red symbolizes courage, white symbolizes faith, and blue symbolizes patriotism.

National Anthem