Holland holiday of flowers. King's Day: a historical background. National Museum Week

21.10.2018 - 21.10.2018

About the marathon:

The course is 42 kilometers long and 195 meters in and around Amsterdam. Thousands of people, professionals and amateurs alike, take part in the TCS Amsterdam Marathon every year. This unique competition is famous for its beautiful route. The runners start and finish at the Olympic Stadium, cheering from the crowded stands. The whole action makes an unforgettable impression. But it's also a real treat for the kids! A marathon, half marathon or 8 km run is a great opportunity to test your strength with thousands of other participants! During this speed competition, you can see the best athletes in the world. The route passes by numerous sights of Amsterdam.

Briefly about the route:

The route passes close to many attractions such as the Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics), the magnificent Vondelpark and Leidseplein, along the Amstel River, past stunning windmills and wonderful scenery. Another attraction on the way of the marathoners is the National Museum.

Where to find strength?

If you can’t overcome a whole marathon, there are shorter options. For example, a half marathon, an 8 km run and a Children's Olympic run for younger children.

This spectacular event takes place in Amsterdam every autumn, bringing joy to both participants and spectators.

Amsterdam Light Festival

29.11.2018 - 20.01.2019

During the Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place in December and early January, the canals of Amsterdam are illuminated by the best Dutch and foreign artists. For several weeks you will be able to enjoy the best works and art installations in the center of Amsterdam. The beautiful light festival in Amsterdam lasts for seven weeks. You can visit it on foot or by boat.

Advice:

It is best to do this at the end of the day, at dusk. The lights of the festival look best in the dark. You can purchase tickets on your own or through ANEX Tour, after sending a request by mail.

Guests can visit more than 20 light installations. The exposition presents masterpieces created by the best foreign masters especially for the festival. Examples include bright projections on historical buildings, moving light installations in city parks and works that you can literally walk through. The route dedicated to the Amsterdam Light Festival starts in the square opposite central station Amsterdam.

Candle Night in Gouda

Candle Night, or Kaarsjesavond, is a famous annual Christmas celebration in the city of Gouda in the western part of the Netherlands. This nocturnal tradition is accompanied by numerous lighted candles, singing and festivities. Every year, thousands of people flock to Gouda to attend the Night of the Candles, including important Dutch and foreign guests. On this day, there are many musical, theatrical, cultural and entertainment events.

What is interesting about the night of candles?

A unique opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere of a city full of lights. Take a leisurely stroll past restaurants and entertainment venues. The celebration is held on the central market square in front of the Gothic town hall. Street lights and electric lamps are turned off, and instead at night everything is lit by candles standing in the windows and around the square. The mayor gives a speech and lights up the towering Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of lights, for a truly magical experience.

In general, the city of Gouda is magical not only during the Night of Candles. Beautiful canals, historic churches and Dutch architecture make for a great entourage in the city, which is also famous for its breweries, smoking pipes and round waffle sandwiches. Gouda is easily accessible from two train stations and takes one hour from Amsterdam.

old tradition

Candle Night (Kaarsjesavond) in Gouda is a long tradition spanning several decades. Choirs gather to sing Christmas carols in front of listeners who willingly sing along. Those gathered visit nearby churches and museums immediately after the holiday. The city of Gouda became famous around the middle of the 19th century for making quality candles, although it is probably better known for its other wax-like product, Gouda cheese. Local candles are made from natural wax that burns continuously for several hours and can be bought everywhere in the city as souvenirs.

New Year's Eve diving in Scheveningen

Did you know that there are more than two hundred places in the Netherlands where you can jump into the lake or the sea? Scheveningen has been one of the most popular New Year dives since 1965. Every year, more than 10,000 brave daredevils are poisoned in this city. Taking a dip or watching it from the outside is a pleasure available to everyone. And after that you can warm up with hot chocolate or Dutch pea soup.

old tradition

The tradition began in 1965 when members of a sports club decided to freshen up at the start of the year by taking a dip in the sea. The New Year's Eve Dive caught everyone's attention after it was sponsored by a major soup company. Since then, the number of participants and diving sites has been growing year by year.

national tulip day

The tulip season officially opens on National Tulip Day. Tulip season is the period from January to the end of April, when most varieties of tulips can be bought from flower growers, supermarkets and flower stalls. Thousands of variations of tulips in all colors of the rainbow start their journey from auctions in Holland to vases all over the world.

On this day, tulip growers will set up a huge garden with tens of thousands of tulips in the Dam Square in Amsterdam.

What is interesting about this day?

You can take part in the opening of the season and see with your own eyes this magnificent garden of a thousand bright colors
Get a free bouquet of tulips, thus marking the beginning of the tulip season.

Exhibition TEFAF in Maastricht

16.03.2019 - 24.03.2019

The world's leading exhibition of art and antiques attracts the best dealers, professionals, critics and collectors. Every person working in the arts must visit TEFAF (European visual arts) in Maastricht. This event is an annual celebration for thousands of curious visitors and art lovers. Over 250 of the world's most respected antiques and art dealers from different countries gather annually at the TEFAF fair in Maastricht. The quality, condition and authenticity of the masterpieces brought by them are checked by 150 world-renowned experts.

What is interesting about the exhibition?

You can admire medieval manuscripts, maps, coins, works of classical antiquity, silver, jewelry, porcelain, furniture, modern art and old masters, as well as other exhibits from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Italy, Egypt, Asia, Africa and South Africa. America.
Meet over 250 antiques and art dealers.

The TEFAF exhibition in Maastricht will amaze even the most sophisticated connoisseur of art.

Keukenhof

21.03.2019 - 19.05.2019

Keukenhof is a one of a kind place, and visiting it will be an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. Keukenhof includes numerous gardens and four grandiose pavilions, which display the most magnificent flowers. Every year, Keukenhof takes on a completely new look with the basic concept in mind. Although the park is open only 8 weeks a year, it attracts about 800,000 visitors every year. Without a doubt, this the best place to see tulips in Holland.

What is interesting about this place?

The most beautiful spring park in the world. Seven million flower bulbs will give you a unique experience. The park is easily accessible from The Hague, Haarlem, Delft and Amsterdam. It is at this time that you can see the Dutch tulip fields in bloom. The park has a fantastic collection of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, lilies and many other flowers. No one can remain indifferent to such an unforgettable symphony of colors and aromas.

Important films

22.03.2019 – 30.03.2019

Important Films is a film festival where Amnesty International does more than just show films. It is a platform that shows where human rights and human dignity are at stake. During the accompanying discussions and talk shows, viewers can contact Amnesty International and receive information from it.

What is interesting about the event?

This is no ordinary film festival. During the last week of March, Amnesty International has been trying to draw attention to critical situations in the world. The film festival is held in and around the Cinema House in the center of The Hague. Thousands of people visit it every year. The goal of the festival is cinema as a tool to combat indifference. Previously, this festival was known as the Amnesty International Film Festival (film festival organization "Amnesty International"). During the days of the film festival in The Hague, you can not only watch films, but also take part in their discussion and enjoy music concerts. Guests can also attend the ceremony of distributing film prizes. Tickets are on sale in the House of Cinema building in the center of The Hague.

National Museum Week

08.04.2019 - 14.04.2019

During the National Museum Week you can visit hundreds of museums - both world-famous and lesser known. More than 300 museums across Holland will present their collections: from Groningen to Limburg. These include the Groningen Museum, the Vrijthof Museum in Maastricht and the Kröller-Müller Museum of Painting, located in the most beautiful location. During the National Museum Week, you can have a great time for both adults and children. Many museums organize activities especially for children. The Frisian Museum of Natural History and the Museum of railway in Utrecht. However, the Dutch Museum open sky and the Netherlands Film Institute EYE have planned at least interesting events for children.

What is offered to tourists?

Visit over 300 Dutch museums.
Visit unique expositions dedicated to the week of museums.
Go on a special tour with a guide or attend a master class.

Museum Week is a great opportunity to discover the priceless art of Holland.

flower parade

The annual parade of flowers (Blumenkorso as the Dutch call it) is a celebration filled with amazing colors and delicious aromas. Twenty huge platforms and thirty ornate cars follow the 42-kilometer route from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from Holland and other countries gather for this colorful flower show every year. It should be noted that the route also passes through famous park Keukenhof.

Parade route:

The Flower Parade starts in Noordwijk on Saturday at 9:30 am and finishes in Harlem at 9 pm. Around 15:30 the Flower Parade passes through the Keukenhof. On Sunday you can marvel at the hard work put into the Flower Parade in Harlem, where the rafts will be visible until 5 pm.

Bicycle race Amstel Gold Race

20.04.2019 - 21.04.2019

The Amstel Gold Race is a significant event in international classic cycling, which is held annually in hilly terrain Limburg. The sponsor of the event is the beer brand Amstel. This race is a round of the cycling world championship since 1989. The course also serves as one of the routes for the UCI Pro tour and the UCI World Tour.

Amstel Gold Race - a special race during which cyclists are forced to wind through small villages and climb hills (some even several times). The Cauberg and Keutenberg hills are characterized by high elevation, and the length of the route is about 250 kilometers. According to experts, this is difficult route. Jan Raas, one of the best Dutch cyclists, has won this race at least five times, which is a record.

Tourists have the opportunity to become a participant and not miss such a popular event in the world of cycling.

tulip festival

20.04.2019 - 05.05.2019

Windmills, wooden shoes and picturesque tulip fields. This is what Holland looks like on postcards. In spring Holland is filled with tulips and other flowers. The most famous places are Keukenhof and the tulip region, but the province of Flevoland is not so famous, despite the fact that here, in the community of Nordostpolder, is the longest and most scenic tulip route in Holland!

The province of Flevoland is the largest flower-growing region in Holland, with about 5,000 acres of fields covered in red, yellow and purple tulips! The fields are located in East and South Flevoland, and, most importantly, in the Nordostpolder community. There are signs on the Tulip Route, so it is easy to navigate here. Tourists will be able to drive through many picturesque tulip fields and attend countless activities. For example, pick your favorite tulips in the special tulip garden, or stop by to see the products that are produced on the farms of the Nordostpolder community. The longest tulip route in Holland is located in the Nordostpolder community in the province of Flevoland. It is a route of more than 100 kilometers, which lies among the picturesque fields of about 2,500 acres, and is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

What is interesting about this route?

Opportunity to visit the Tulip Festival
Explore 100 kilometers of signposted roads and nearly 2,500 acres of blooming tulip fields

It should be noted that in 2009 the National Geographic magazine called this route one of the most beautiful in the world.

King's Day!

As of 2014, Queen's Day is no longer celebrated, but King's Day is celebrated. Celebrations are held on April 27 across the country (instead of April 30, as it was before 2014), with everyone dressed in orange, and the brighter the better. On April 27, the whole of Holland turns into a holiday! From the largest cities to tiny villages, the whole country celebrates King's Day. There are street markets everywhere, where residents sell all sorts of things and homemade goodies. Bands sing on every corner, beer is sold in every pub - on the street and everywhere people dance in their orange robes. According to an unchanging tradition, the royal family visits one or two cities in Holland on this day, so with good luck you can even see them with your own eyes!

What needs to be done on this day?

Get your orange outfit ready to celebrate King's Day in Holland on April 27th!
Celebrate King's Day in Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague or Eindhoven!
Enjoy spectacular rides in one of the many amusement parks!

King's Day in different cities:

Amsterdam. Of course, with special luxury, King's Day is celebrated in the capital of Holland, Amsterdam. Events are held throughout the city; a huge street bazaar operates directly on rugs and in stalls selling the most various products or displaying artistic ability. The canals are filled with boats filled with celebrating residents, and for those who like to dance, there are many grand parties with famous DJs.

Hague. In the city of The Hague, the center of the Dutch judicial system, King's Day is celebrated as it should be. Of course, there are many street bazaars here, and the largest concentration of people is observed along the canals, Statenkvartir and Noordeinde. However, The Hague is best known for its King's Night on the eve of King's Day, when famous bands and DJs perform their songs in various city squares - in particular, on the Kerkplein, Grote Markt and Platz.

Utrecht. Utrecht's street markets are open from 6:00 pm on the eve of King's Day, 26 April. And of course, on April 27, there is a truly festive atmosphere here with countless decorated boats on the canals, as well as entertainment and parties at squares such as Domplein, Lukasbolwerk, Mariaplatz, Nöde and Janskerkhof.

Eindhoven. As in The Hague, Eindhoven hosts many entertainment shows that kick off the celebrations in the squares on the evening before King's Day: the Wilhelminaplein, Stationsplein and Stadhuisplein. Most fun directly on King's Day - street bazaars work around Mathildelan, Strape-S and the squares mentioned above

In addition to street bazaars and music, fairs are part of the King's Day tradition. Therefore, fairs are held every year in a huge number of cities and towns. The most famous fairs are held on Dam Square in Amsterdam, Grote Markt in Haarlem, Schiehaven Bay in Rotterdam and around Lange Voorhout in The Hague.

Memorial Day

Every year on 4 May at 8 a.m., the Dutch commemorate the civilians and soldiers who have fallen in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or in other parts of the world since the outbreak of the Second World War, both in hostilities and in peacekeeping operations, with two minutes of silence. Before this tribute to the memory of the fallen in front of the National Monument on the Dam square in Amsterdam, a solemn memorial ceremony with speeches and the laying of wreaths is held. Each municipality celebrates Memorial Day in its own way.

Dutch television campaigns also pay considerable attention to this tradition. In addition to broadcasting ceremonies in front of the National Monument erected on Dam Square in Amsterdam, a memorial ceremony is being broadcast at Waalsdorpervlakte near The Hague, where many Dutch Resistance fighters were executed during the war years, and at the Grebbeberg military cemetery.

Every year in the Netherlands, the memory of the victims is honored with two minutes of silence. During these two minutes traffic stops public transport and mourning ceremonies are broadcast on radio and television.

On the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen, May 4, flags are flown at half-mast in all of Holland from 6 pm until sunset as a sign of mourning. The next day, the flags will be raised again in honor of Victory Day.

Liberation Day

On the National Day of the Liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi Occupation or "Freedom Day" in the Netherlands, the capitulation of Nazi Germany is celebrated. This day also celebrates the end of World War II in the Netherlands, although the war was still going on in many other European and Asian countries. 5 May Liberation Day is a holiday of peace and security. Every five years, Liberation Day is celebrated in a special way: Liberation Festivals are held in Amsterdam and the main cities of the twelve provinces.

National Mill Day

11.05.2019 - 12.05.2019

On the second Saturday and Sunday of May, Holland celebrates National Mill Day. On this day, 950 windmills and watermills open their doors to visitors. For centuries, mills have played an important role in land reclamation, raw material processing and product manufacturing. Nowadays, the mills have hardly any economic value, but they are a cult phenomenon in Holland and still attract a lot of attention. More than 900 windmills open their doors during National Mill Day (Molendag).

What is interesting about this day?

You can get acquainted with this historical heritage and a symbol of the country. Find out what types of mills are and what they are for. Visit one of the 950 windmills that open their doors on National Mill Day. Millers go to great lengths to decorate their mills with flags and flowers as attractively as possible. The miller will give you a tour and tell you in detail about the type of mill you are visiting. It may also happen that tourists are asked to help the miller turn the wings of the mill. There are often entertainment activities for children, allowing them to get acquainted with the craft of a miller in a playful way.

National Mill Day is a free event, but a small donation to help maintain the facilities will always be appreciated.

Rotterdam International Poetry Festival

28.05.2019 - 02.06.2019

Since its founding in 1970, the Rotterdam International Poetry Festival has grown into one of the world's premier poetry festivals. The festival lasts for several days, during which you can hear the world's greatest poets, read their poems, take part in their discussion and attend special seminars.

The purpose of the festival:

Draw attention to Dutch and foreign poetry.
Listen to the best poets from all over the world.
To stimulate the exchange between poets, translators of poetic works, connoisseurs and lovers of poetry on an international scale.

The Rotterdam International Poetry Festival gives you the opportunity to meet the best poets in the world and listen to the most famous poems of our day.

Leeuwerden flower market

Every year in the city of Leeuwerden, a flower market is organized on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. This is the largest market in Holland, where a sea of flowers stretches to the horizon - from the city center to the Lange Marktstraat and Tesselschadestraat. Walking along the rows with the most beautiful flowers and plants, you can buy something interesting in the longest market in Holland. You can also sit down at a table on the terrace of one of Leeuwarden's countless restaurants, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of the city.

The market is represented by more than 200 stalls selling flowers and various plants. From early morning until late evening, thousands of visitors purchase a wide variety of flowers and plants here.

In general, the flower market in Leeuwerden is visited by 30,000 people a year. The spectacle is worthy of such popularity. Its magnificent views attract thousands of people to the streets of the city.

Holland Festival

06.06.2019 - 30.06.2019

Since 1947, Holland Festival has been the most important and leading performing arts festival in Holland. This festival is a combination of all types of performing arts, theatrical and musical-theatrical productions, dance, opera and musical art, fine arts, literature and architecture. Artists from all over the world showcase their talents in various forms of performing arts. Performances are held at several venues in Amsterdam.

A unique feature of the festival "Holland" is its desire for constant self-renewal. Every year tourists are surprised by bold experiments and traditional productions of the highest international level. It is not surprising that "Holland" has not lost its popularity for more than sixty years.

The Holland Festival in Amsterdam brings together representatives of all types of performing arts, this is a combination of productions of the great classics and bold experimenters. The motto of the festival is: "To pay attention and give freedom of expression to all aspects, colors and flavors of aesthetics."

The festival is held in several locations around Amsterdam, including the Westergasfabriek, the Music House on the IJ (Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ), the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum. In the south of the city, performances are held in the Concertgebouw concert hall (Concertgebouw), and closer to the center - in the Stadtshauburg theater (Stadsschouwburg).

North Sea Regatta for the North Sea Regatta

Every Whitsun weekend Schevening becomes the beating heart of the Dutch sailing world. Yachts of all sizes sit side by side, boats launch, skiffs use the new ramp. About 1,500 yachtsmen will gather in The Hague to participate in the annual North Sea Regatta "Delta Lloyd" (North Sea Regatta).

The first event within the framework of the Regatta is traditionally the Vuurschepenrace - an offshore race over a distance of 110 nautical miles from Schevening to Harwich. The competitions will partially take place on the high seas. Other events include the North Sea Race 180 nautical miles back to Schevening, the Scheveningen Coastal Race and numerous shows under a party tent.

A diverse fleet of open boats, catamarans, Olympic-class boats, one-design boats, great-looking yachts and classic ships will take to the sea every day for exciting races around the buoys.

PINKPOP

08.06.2019 - 10.06.2019

Every year Landgraaf hosts the largest outdoor festival in Holland. PINKPOP is one of the most spectacular musical events in Europe, which takes place in various venues. Tickets for PINKPOP are completely sold out almost every year.

What is interesting about the event?

The opportunity to visit the longest open-air festival in Europe.
See a huge number of foreign artists on stage.
Spend the night at the festival campsite.

The fact that PINKPOP is a unique event can be attested to by the many musicians who have performed at it since its inception in 1970. Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, Pearl Jam, Golden Earring, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more were on PINKPOP. In addition, PINKPOP is the longest running outdoor festival in the world. Another standout feature of PINKPOP is that the festival has a campsite that can accommodate up to 50,000 other attendees. So here you can dance and enjoy the best concerts, and in the breaks also have time to sleep.

Oerol Festival

14.06.2019 - 23.06.2019

During the days of the Oerol festival, all life on the island of Terschelling focuses on theatrical performances, musical performances and street theater actors. Sheds, barns and even depressions in the dunes become part of the territory where the festival takes place. The festival "Oerol" lasts from morning to evening for ten days. During the Oerol festival, the island of Terschelling turns into one big stage. Theatrical performances can be seen on the beach, in the forest or just on the street.

Since 1982, the festival has become an international phenomenon. There are not many festivals in the world that take over the whole island, as Aerol does. The inhabitants, bars and beer gardens of Terschelling contribute to the festive atmosphere. Artists, musicians and playwrights guarantee an amazing program. More than just fun, Oerol is not just entertainment, the festival plays an important role for aspiring playwrights, helping them polish and develop their talent.

"Oerol" is an ideal place for professionals to meet with colleagues in the profession, to familiarize visitors with new productions and to discover new talents by playwrights. In short, this festival is a celebration of culture for one and all.

Amsterdam Open Garden Days

15.06.2019 - 16.06.2019

Every year on the third weekend of June, the Van Loon Museum organizes Open Garden Days. These days, the hidden part of Amsterdam becomes visible as more than 25 canal house gardens are open to the public. As a rule, the most beautiful gardens in Amsterdam are hidden behind huge canal houses all year round, but on Amsterdam Open Garden Days, everyone is given the opportunity to wander freely through them. During the construction of the canals, not only majestic houses and flowering gardens were designed, but also impressive garden houses, picturesque gazebos and outbuildings. Residents could have a good time drinking tea, playing games and enjoying the greenery. There are many admirable historic garden houses here, but there are also interesting examples built recently.

For just a small amount, you can get a pass that allows you to enter the gardens for three days. You can find out where to buy a pass in Amsterdam on the Open Garden Days website. Here you can also find a map of the city, which shows the location of the gardens. All gardens are within walking distance.

Unfortunately, some gardens are inaccessible to wheelchairs and prams due to curbs and stairs. With dogs, of course, entry is prohibited.

Assen TT

28.06.2019 - 30.06.2019

The Assen TT is the day that thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to. On this day, competitions are held in all classes between motorcycle racers fighting for the prestigious Grand Prix circuit. More than 100,000 visitors experience the pleasant excitement and enjoy unique atmosphere"Assen TT", traditionally held on the last Saturday of June.

The circuit racing at the Assen TT is one of the best in the world, both in terms of the composition of the riders and in terms of the number of spectators. The circular arena can accommodate up to 56,000 spectators. Numerous large screens give each visitor a complete overview of the competition. The unique floating grandstand ‘Geert Timmer’ is designed so that the safety zone extends to the level below the grandstand.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, Dutch TT motorcycle racing is what Monaco is for Formula I fans or Wimbledon is for tennis enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere, reasonable ticket prices and more than 8 hours of fun on the Assen TT.

Rotterdam Unlimited Festival

23.07.2019 - 27.07.2019

Rotterdam Unlimited is musical duels, parades, live music, dancing and much more. Energetic rhythms of live electronic music, juice, hip-hop, soul, rnb, drum and bass and jungle - new music for a new generation! But the main events of the Carnival parade are the battle of the drums, the street parade and the "election of the Queen". One of the largest street festivals in Europe with free access. Opportunity to discover 178 different cultures. Starting in 2013, the popular entertainment Summer Carnival and Dunya Festival are held together as part of the new Rotterdam Unlimited celebration. The six-day cultural festival is a venue for famous performers and, of course, for the colorful Summer Carnival parade.

Haarlem Culinair

01.08.2019 - 04.08.2019

Haarlem Culinair, or "Culinary Harlem", is a gourmet festival held annually. Numerous restaurants in and around Harlem invite you to taste their specialties. Visitors are offered original dishes at an affordable price.

Behind last years about 70 thousand gourmets took part in the festival. The restaurants offer dishes of cuisines of different nations, but mainly the emphasis is on dishes regional cuisine made from local products. Although the cost of dishes differs, all of them are reasonable price. The perfect way to try many delicious dishes from different restaurants.

In addition, there is the opportunity to taste branded wines and beers presented at various counters - all accompanied by live music.

Four days of culinary delights at the Grote Markt, at the foot of St. Bavo's Church - ideal for enjoying food and drink.

Westland floating parade

02.08.2019 - 04.08.2019

The Westland Floating Parade (Varend Corso Westland) is a festive water show that takes place on the first weekend of August. It features dozens of boats decorated with vegetables and fruits, with the theme of the parade changing every year. Together, the boats form a vibrant floating flower parade that moves across Westland for three days. This is a unique event that annually attracts over 500,000 visitors.

Can be done bike ride along the route of the parade and watch it in several cities, every year the organizers make several routes.

Parade route:

Richly decorated boats participating in the parade sail through Naaldwijk, Massluis, The Hague, Delft and a number of other cities. Numerous events take place along the route of the Westland Floating Parade, including fairs and musical performances.

Sailing Amsterdam 2020

12.08.2020 - 16.08.2020

At this time, you can enjoy an impressive and unique spectacle - a whole fleet of sailing ships, and with it the heritage of shipbuilding, modern ships, naval vessels and replicas of historic ships. This is the world's largest spectacular event in the field of shipbuilding, organized every five years. Each time it attracts more than one and a half million visitors.

Traditionally "Sail" begins with a parade: hundreds of ships hundreds of sailing ships enter the river IJ (IJ). Their formation is an unforgettable sight. In the following days, a number of competitions take place on the water, including the Skutsjesilen (races on typical Frisian sailing ships). Sailors of the Royal Netherlands Navy will also demonstrate their skills on the water.

Along with all the activities that take place on the water, it is worth seeing what is being done at the shipyards.

The Sail program includes events in the field of drama, art, culture, music, sports and entertainment for children.

Amsterdam, like the whole country as a whole, is rich in festivals, holidays and concerts. Often, such a variety of dizzy and hard to make a choice. We will help you navigate this diversity by describing 11 of the most best events 2017.

One of the most unusual festivals in the world. Every year, young artists create various color installations on a certain theme, which are then installed in different places in the central part of the city. Everyone can admire the works of modern art, all you need is just to stock up on a map that shows all the points with temporary exhibitions, and also remember that the festival is open daily from 17.00 to 23.00 from December 1 to January 22.

All works of art can be walked around, but if you want to feel the beauty of the festival, then do not deny yourself the pleasure of taking an evening boat trip.

Concert André Rieu

Love classical music? On January 7, 2017 André Riue will perform in Amsterdam at the Ziggodome.

Have you never heard of him? Well, it's time to get acquainted with this outstanding musician and conductor of our time. For many years now, his performances around the world have been a resounding success. Tickets are sold out a few months before the start of the show. Who is André Riue and why is he so popular not only among amateurs classical music? The answer is very simple: he knows how to make a real incendiary show filled with incredible emotions.

Even if you are indifferent to classical works, you will not be bored at his performance. Everything is possible here! Romance, passion, love affairs, incendiary dances on ice and real balls. Each composition is a little story. He teaches everyone to feel the music and that is why they love him.

Opening of the tulip season

Ariana Grande concert

The performance of the incendiary Ariana (Ariana Grande) will be held in Amsterdam on 14 2017. Her concerts gather an audience of many thousands, hundreds of thousands of fans around the world dream of getting to see her performance. Perhaps this is your dream, which is about to come true?

Tickets for her concert can be purchased from October 28, 2016. Almost every weekend in the summer, various events are held in Amsterdam.

Gay Pride Festival

The festival lasts a whole week, and ends on August 5, 2017 with the most striking event - the parade of boats on the city's canals. On this day, Amsterdam "goes crazy", everyone who wants to express themselves and stand out from the crowd does it with great pleasure. The atmosphere of the holiday is filled with goodwill and. People have fun and dance in the streets, along the canals or on boats. The holiday lasts all day and ends late in the evening.

Classical music concert Prinsengrachtconcert

Every year, on the third weekend of August, a traditional open-air classical music concert Prinsengrachtconcert is held on one of the most beautiful canals in the city. . Especially for this, a stage is set up next to the Rulitzer Hotel and everyone can come and enjoy. The Dutch come here with their folding chairs, sail on boats. All free space is filled with those wishing to listen to a "live" concert.

Jordan Festival

No less striking event of the year is the Jordaan Festival, which takes place every third week. The event is held in the open air on the territory of the entire Jordaan (Jordan). Solo artists and folk song groups perform various ballads about life in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Marathon

All sports fans, and especially marathon fans, will also be interested in visiting the Amsterdam marathon 2017, which will be held on 15 2017. Anyone can take part in the race, however, this requires pre-registration, which is available from 7 2016, and the payment of a mandatory fee. The amount of the contribution depends on which distance you have chosen for yourself. And who knows, maybe you will be the winner of the race next year?

Christmas in Amsterdam

And since the end of November, Amsterdam has been preparing for the meeting. The city is immersed in festive illuminations, a Christmas tree is set up on Dam Square, a Christmas market opens on Leidesplein, where you can buy small souvenirs as a gift, drink mulled wine or hot chocolate, try real Dutch and Belgian waffles, fruits in chocolate and much more.

At the Museumplein near you can find public ice rink, where not only professionals, but also absolute beginners in this business ride with pleasure.

Ulyana Volokovykh

Holidays and events in the Netherlands 2019: the most important festivals and highlights, national holidays and events in the Netherlands. Photos and videos, descriptions, reviews and times.

Tours for May to the Netherlands
Hot tours Worldwide

April 17, 2019 National Museum Day in the Netherlands

It is difficult to say whether those tourists who came to the country on the second weekend of April were lucky or, conversely, unlucky: more than 550 museums in the country are open these days for free admission or offer huge discounts on tickets.

April 20, 2019 flower festival

April 27, 2019 King's Day in Amsterdam

May 12, 2019 Cyclist Day in the Netherlands

June 16, 2019 Herring Festival in The Hague

November 4 – 5, 2019 Museum Day in Amsterdam

December 31, 2019 New Year in Amsterdam

Winter in the Netherlands ends with the traditional carnival held in the provinces of Brabant and Limburg 40 days before Easter. Crowds dressed in bright costumes come out to the city streets decorated for the holiday, parades, music competitions, children's parties and competitions of carnival costumes are held. The people have fun, dance and sing, because on this day it is customary to forget about everything vital, this is the time for unrestrained entertainment. The Dutch themselves believe that Maastricht, the capital of Limburg, is the leader among the celebrating cities - the carnival there surpasses all others in liveliness, color and loudness, and a huge policeman doll watches over the order.

And from March 14 to 23, an important event in the art world takes place in the life of the small Dutch town of Maastricht: the TEFAF antique fair, which has been regularly held here since 1975, and during this time has become one of the most authoritative such events in the world. At the fair, masterpieces of painting and sculpture by world masters are put up for sale: it is very interesting to get here in time, because all these works of art will be in private collections by the end of the event.

It is not surprising that in a country famous throughout the world for its beautiful tulips, the spring season of flowering opens with a magical and stunningly beautiful spectacle - the Festival of Flowers. The Parade of Flowers (Bloemen Corso) begins on the morning of the third Saturday in April, when a column of cars leaves Noordwijk, decorated with the most incredible arrangements of fresh flowers, the aroma of which drives one crazy. Along with the cars, a huge number of singing and dancing people take part in the procession. It is worth saying that talented florists from all over the country start preparing for the holiday in a few days: they come up with how flower installations will look like, make illuminated fittings and decorate them with all kinds of flowers. Ending station Parade - Keukenhof Park, known throughout the country, where most flower festivals are held.

On April 30, one of its main national holidays is celebrated throughout the country - Queen's Day (Konninginnedag / Queen's Day), which is otherwise called National Unity Day. On this holiday, it is customary to dress in orange, the family color of the Orange dynasty. City streets are full of orange ribbons, flowers and flags. One of the most interesting traditions of the Queen's Day is the free market ("free market"): on this day, VAT is abolished for all stores by the Queen's decree.

On Queen's Day, parades, celebrations and festivals take place throughout the country. The main center of all this fun, of course, is Amsterdam, which is flooded with hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The streets of the city rattle with cheerful music, make noise with the interweaving of voices, and with the onset of darkness they glow brightly in the lights of festive fireworks.

It is known all over the world how the Dutch love bicycles - the inhabitants of the Netherlands spend about half of their lives in the saddle. Therefore, it was impossible to do without a special holiday, Cyclist's Day. On a beautiful May day, a significant part of the country's population gets on their bikes and travels around the country. Bicycle races are held in the cities, in which everyone can take part - cyclists from all over the world come here especially for this. People are having fun and walking, and cyclists of all nationalities, ages and levels of training rush through the streets, because all this does not matter, only freedom, wind in their hair and cries of support from the fans.

The longest tulip route in Holland is located in the Nordostpolder community in the province of Flevoland. Over 100 km long, this route, which lies among the picturesque fields of about 2,500 acres, is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Visit the Tulip Festival in Flevoland.
Explore 100 km of signposted roads and nearly 2,500 acres of blooming tulip fields.
National Geographic magazine (2009) named this route one of the most beautiful in the world.
Enjoy numerous activities along the longest and most scenic tulip route in Holland.

Discover the longest tulip route in Holland

Tulip Festival in Emirgan Park: dates, program, how to get there and where to stay. All places of flowering tulips in Istanbul (photo and description).

Do you love flower festivals as much as I do? Surely, because few people are left indifferent by bright carpets of the most daring colors and patterns. Be sure that 2019 will be generous to fans of tulips, roses and chrysanthemums: at the end of March, the Dutch Keukenhof will open its doors, in June it will be waiting for visitors, in August the main square of Brussels, as it happens once every two years, will bloom with all the shades of the rainbow, and by November those who have not yet had enough of the flower extravaganza are invited to the Crimea - to the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves and remember another bright event in the middle of spring. Tulip Festival in Istanbul Istanbul Lale Festivali, English Istanbul Tulip Festival) - the main competitor, a little less publicized, and according to the Turks, it is completely undeservedly forgotten.

When Tulips Bloom in Istanbul

The start of the Tulip Festival depends on weather conditions and humidity. Tentatively, it can be argued that flowering in Istanbul annually begins from the end of March (early tulips) and continues until the beginning of May (the most “ripe” specimens). By the way, despite the southern origin, Turkish flowers delight others around the same period of time as the Dutch ones.

Tulip Festival, Istanbul - Dates 2019

It is generally accepted that tulips can be found in Istanbul throughout April. During this period, all the inhabitants of the country and numerous tourists come to the huge metropolis. However, the city authorities annually approve a period of time, which is just called the "Tulip Festival in Istanbul".

What does this mean for visitors to the city? First of all, that on these dates, visiting flower parks and finding yourself in the main squares (for example, Sultanahmet in front of the Blue Mosque), you will find performances by musical and theater groups. Visitors will be entertained with contests, lotteries and street treats. And, of course, mass trade in bulbs of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and simply houseplants in pots will be launched.

It is at this time that local residents acquire annual plants, which they like to decorate balconies and windows overlooking busy avenues.

At the same time, Istanbul guides spend thematic excursions. Beloved by Tripster regulars, Gala is the author of the route (4 hours in the heart of flowery Istanbul). If Gala doesn’t have places (and there won’t be any), then there is an excursion where the guide Tatiana offers to visit three parks at once.

Ideally, you need to take care of tickets and a hotel in Istanbul from April 9 to April 30. But if, by coincidence, you arrive a little earlier or a little later, don't worry - the tulips will be there. Since the entire “Festival in Istanbul” is stretched in time and space (looking ahead, there are as many as seven (!) Parks in the city where tupan fields are massively prepared), experienced travelers intentionally arrive early to avoid crowds.

Where to stay during the festival

There is less and less time left before the tulips bloom in Emirgan, and in order not to waste it, I suggest that you immediately decide on a hotel. Where to settle in Istanbul to visit all the places of accumulation of flowers easily and at a minimum cost?

#1.

View room at Dream Bosphorus Hotel (Istanbul)

A hotel in the Fatih area with views of the bay from its upper floors. A stone's throw from the old train station, from where the Orient Express departed, and the Marmaray station - a metro line laid under the Bosphorus. It is convenient to get to the Asian side, where the Göztepe and Beykoz Korusu parks are located. Breakfast and staff are great!

#2. Florenta Hotel

Great budget hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Just over 500 m from Topkapı Palace, and hence Gülhane Park, where tulip plantations also bloom in spring. The rooms are small but cozy; with a fresh renovation and not at all budget beds and mattresses - very comfortable to sleep!

#3. Nidya Hotel Galataport

Panoramic terrace at Nidya Hotel Galataport

Large hotel with spacious rooms - all stylish, comfortable, modern. But the highlight of the hotel is its location: not far from the Galata Bridge, the port (and therefore ferry crossing) and a tram stop. It is easy to get to the Emirgan park with the most extensive fields of tulips, and to the airport.

#4. Alpek Hotel

The hotel is located next to but Alpek Hotel is a bit more luxurious and more expensive. On the roof there is a panoramic terrace, where breakfast is a special pleasure. near metro, tram station and the entire Sultanahmet (Fatih) area. Kitchen, staff, cleanliness - 5 stars.

#5. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

Chic Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus in Istanbul

This huge five-star hotel is already located in the Besiktas area. From it you can get in a straight line to the Emirgan tulip park. For reference: a couple of hundred meters away is the Dolmabahce Palace. Rooms, breakfast portions, swimming pool, panoramic terrace - all huge!

Top 7 parks where tulips bloom in Istanbul

It is expected that in 2019 a record will be set in Sultanahmet Park: 563,000 tulips will be planted there in a single multi-colored carpet. By God, the Turks will do anything to prove that the homeland of the tulip is not, but Turkey.

Or rather, Persia, i.e. Iran, but, as it were, Turkey, well, you understand that it is not Holland.

So, the seven best places to see tulips in Istanbul are:

Emirgan Park (Emirgan Korusu) is the headquarters of the Tulip Festival in Istanbul. The largest number of colors, the brightest patterns, the most massive events. Finally, the coolest view of the Bosphorus in the entire city. Therefore, the place number 1 in the must-see list is exactly Emirgan. Almost 3 million flowers from more than 90 varieties of tulips are promised by the organizers this season.

Tulip Festival in Istanbul starts from Emirgan Park!

Göztepe Park- a charming place of accumulation of all kinds of spring flowers. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Beykoz Korusu- another oasis on the Asian side. On one side is the embankment, on the other - the lush greenery of the park. In spring, even by the sea, you can feel the scent of tulips. By the way, there is an excursion on Tripster - it is an order of magnitude more interesting trip to Emirgan Park with a guide to my taste.
Gulhane Park- about a million flowers bloom in one of the largest parks in Istanbul! Note: local gardeners are preparing a panel of flowers for the beginning of the festival, but this is a year-round event - tulips will be held, irises, roses, chrysanthemums will bloom, etc. This year, 930,000 flowers from 50 varieties of tulips will be planted. Gulhane Park is very close to Topkapı Palace.

Yildiz Park- located next to the palace of the same name. Yildiz, created by Sultan Selim back in the 18th century, is not just a park, it is a forest belt in the heart of the metropolis. However, the array is open to visitors daily, throughout the Tulip Festival.
Sultanahmet Square- a huge space in front of the legendary Sultanahmet Mosque (or Blue Mosque) during the flowering period is filled with a carpet of flowers. Looking forward to this year's record!

Sultanahmet Square during the flowering of tulips

Chamlica Hill- a little-known part of the city. If you spare no time and effort to overcome the climb, you will be rewarded with thousands of fragrant tulips and one of the most magnificent panoramas of the city.

Emirgan Park - how to get there 2019

There are many parks where tulips bloom in Istanbul, but Emirgan - aka Turkish Keukenhof - is the only one in Istanbul. And every traveler must visit it at least once. You need to go to the park as early as possible (according to the calendar) in order to catch the freshest, and therefore especially tender tulips. It is advisable to choose a weekday for this, otherwise on weekends there is a risk of either getting stuck in a traffic jam in Besiktas, or going crazy with the number of people most of of which are local.

Welcome to the Emirgan Tulip Festival!

Emirgan Park at the end of March (Istanbul, Turkey)

Emirgan is located on the banks of the Bosphorus, in the Sariyer region ( Sariyer), a little further than the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (aka Second Bridge). The most romantic way to get to the park is to buy a ferry ticket Cengelkoy - Istinye. So you can simultaneously arrange a sightseeing tour through the strait and get to Emirgan. One minus of this walk: the already short travel time flies by unnoticed!

Another way is by bus. Route 25E departs from the stop "Kabatash" ( "Kabatas"), 40B from Besiktas ( "Beşiktaş").

Only in the period from April 1 to April 30, additional ferries of Istanbul City Lines will be launched. Also pay attention to IETT buses, they will take you to Emirgan from 8-30 to 19-30. From metro station Maslac municipal buses will run directly to the tulip park.

Emirgan opening hours and program 2019

Emirgan Park will be open from 11:00 to 20:00 during the festival in Istanbul.

Guests, in addition to plantations of fresh flowers, are waiting for impressive sizes flower sculptures, an exhibition of Tulip Festival Chronological Photography and samples of ISMEK TULIP PRODUCTS (some of them - bulbs and seeds - can be purchased). In addition to flowers, everyone will be invited to master classes in glass blowing and Arabic calligraphy, as well as performances by musical groups, orchestras and even a women's choir.

Where to eat in Emirgan Park

For the convenience of visitors, the park will operate Yellow And Pink pavilions (Emirgan Cove) where you can have a bite to eat. You can choose from a buffet for 35 Turkish Lira and a la carte lunch for 25 lira.

The menu looks appetizing, and how satisfying it is, you will have to find out empirically. From the main dishes: roast beef, tahini, molasses, two types of olive oil, salami, boiled eggs, vegetable salad of cucumbers and tomatoes. For dessert: tulum cheese, cured cheese, white cheese, honey, cakes and salted pretzels.

Excursions in Istanbul and surroundings

In addition to excursions to the Emirgan Tulip Park, Tripster lots of interesting routes from locals. Boat trips, sightseeing, gastronomic tours of oriental bazaars and delicious establishments. All excursions are in Russian.

Turkish tulips VS Dutch tulips

We have already found out when to go to Istanbul for tulips, where to live and what excursions to book in Emirgan. It's time to plunge into history. However, I warn you that as soon as it comes to tulips (or, for example, about), the topic suddenly becomes acute for Turkey.

Holland, Holland, the land of flowers, the land of tulips!..

Tulips appeared in Arab countries long before they were known in Holland. Not to say that the northern country was backward at that time - no, it was the era of the Northern Renaissance, fertile in all respects. But the Dutch have not heard of tulips, there's nothing to be done about it. But these flowers, when they were accidentally brought to the court of the Sultan from Persia, made a huge impression on the Turks! Although the first bulb appeared in Iran, it was in the rich at that time that its industrial cultivation began.

Tulips were bred literally for distillation, trying to bring out the most outlandish specimen. So appeared ottoman tulip, a bright scarlet with pointed petals that has long been considered unique.

The thirst for profit made the Turks brag about their treasure in Europe, and tulips, as expected, conquered the northerners with their shapes and shades. But for some reason the Dutch fell in love with them more than others, at first sight and, perhaps, forever. They bought bulbs in "wagons", planted plantations in their small territory and successfully bred new varieties.

The modern tulip is still a symbol of Istanbul, its image can be seen everywhere - from the walls of mosques to the wrought-iron gratings on pedestrian crossings. But it is the Netherlands, and not Turkey (!), that is called the “country of tulips” all over the world. Do you think the Turks are offended? Yes, they are not just offended, they are bitter that their dearly beloved “symbol” is associated with another state.

What do you think, friends, who is to blame? And what to do in this situation?

Hotel search in Istanbul

Emirgan Park on the map of Istanbul

Exact address: Emirgan Mahallesi, Emirgan Sokak, 34467 Sarıyer/İstanbul.