We can finally say goodbye to the winter that kept us all snuggled up in hibernation for the past few months now that March is almost over. Overall, the gloomy days are getting lighter, and happily, the typical signs of a Dutch spring have come! This is a list of the five most obvious signs that spring has arrived in the Netherlands.
1. It’s “Skirt Day” today!
That’s right, “skirt day” exists in the Dutch calendar. Rokjesdag, to put it briefly (pun intended), is the first day of the year when men, women, or anybody else who wants to liberate their legs can do so.
You can finally toss your winter tights out the window once it gets warm enough!
Rokjesdag has gained prominence thanks to Dutch author and Rokjesdag enthusiast Martin Bril and is now recognized as the first day of spring.
There is no set day on the calendar to recognize this unauthorized holiday because it is naturally determined by the constantly shifting Dutch weather.
2. Relaxing on the terras
The wide open spaces in the Netherlands that were previously empty suddenly change into enormous seating areas as soon as the sun shines (for more than an hour).
Everyone and their dog gets a chair and a beer to enjoy some much-needed vitamin D. Formerly soulless and lifeless streets are transformed into merry gezellig hotspots.
The terrassen fill up quickly, and the Dutch don’t exactly like to wait in lines, so if you want to truly appreciate this experience, you’ll need to be quick off the mark.
As they start serving, launch yourself into the first seat that becomes available and relish becoming wasted (zat) in the beautiful springtime sunshine!
3. Happy cows
Cows?! I am aware that when you think of spring, the cow probably isn’t the first agricultural animal that comes to mind.
When we prepare for Easter egg hunts and park picnics, it’s usually the birth of fluffy lambs, bunny rabbits, and adorable young chicks that melts even the hardest hearts.
But for the cow, springtime meant leaving behind their gloomy winter homes. They can now finally skip, mooch, and relax in the freshly air-conditioned pastures that they have much missed.
4. Tulips everywhere!
You couldn’t have missed the vibrantly colored crocuses and daffodils that are sprouting up in all the parks or the gorgeous pink cherry blossoms that cover the once-gray trees unless you were hibernating.
Of course, spring in the Netherlands would not be spring without the cherished tulip. The unofficial Dutch flower has bloomed across several fields, and the vibrant colors are surely something to see!
5. Everything is orange in the spring
The beginning of spring is also signaled by another peculiar and somewhat extraordinary phenomenon, in addition to the longer days and lighter evenings.
Technically, this occurrence has nothing to do with the cyclical nature of the seasons. Each year, as spring gets closer, you can bet that stores start to stock up on things in a bright, almost brilliant orange hue. (It is actually accomplished by relatively few people.)
This is in preparation for the King’s Day festivities, which begin on April 27!
The largest celebration of the King’s birthday in the Netherlands is known as Koningsdag. So buy plenty of oranges and continue the custom. It will undoubtedly be a day to remember!
