Dutch customs and traditions

Holland It is a country that many people would like to visit for a long season. Long enough, perhaps, to stay there to live a lifetime. It is true that it does not have the Mediterranean climate that is much appreciated during a good part of the year, but no less true is that it has other attractions that attract tourists regardless of their origin.

The customs and traditions The country, about which I will talk to you next, tell a lot about the character of the Dutch, who in general we could say that they are happy people who take life in stride, without stressing themselves out.

The bicycle as a real means of transport

The fact that the bicycle has become a widespread means of transport among the population speaks highly of the Dutch. So much so that there are more than one bicycle per inhabitantSo it is not surprising that the country's air is cleaner than the air of other countries such as Spain, where we are still not so clear that the best option to move around the city is to take the bicycle.

Children without homework, happy children

Did you know that Dutch children have no homework until they are 10 years old? Before reaching that age they hardly have any tasks to do, and we could say that there is also no social pressure that does exist in other countries on the subject of studying at the university. Because they can spend more time playing and being with their parents, they say that Dutch children are the happiest in the world. In addition, during the week many have the "Papa Dag"Since many Dutch employees are fortunate to work 36 hours a week that are spread over four days instead of five.

The national symbols

The tulips they are one of the most recognizable symbols of the Netherlands. They are of all colors and you can see them in the best way possible in Keukenhof, a simply spectacular park.

More symbols? Without a doubt the cheese, since Gouda and Edam are from there, although there are more varieties that are worth trying. The clogs They are also a classic in Holland and the windmills, which can be seen all over the country, also deserve our full attention. In Zaanse Schan you will see what are probably the most beautiful of all. It is a charming town.

Recommended article: The most beautiful villages in the Netherlands.

Queen's Day

The Queen's day is King's day, since right now is the King William Alexander who is on the throne. It began to be celebrated in 1885 every August 31, which was when Queen Wilhelmina turned her birthday. With the reign of his daughter Juliana, in 1948 it became April 30, while 2014 the date changed once again to be celebrated on April 27. It is a party that brings together all Dutch people on the street. These come dressed in orange, which is the color of the monarchy.

Gastronomy

In addition to cheese, which I have already spoken about mentioning it as one of the national symbols, in Holland you can try typical dishes they have nothing to envy from those of other European countries. The best known are the Stamppot (sauerkraut, cabbage and meat stew), the Erwtensoep (a spectacular pea soup), the Bitterballen (meat dumplings with mustard sauce) and the Rijsttafel (rice with meat and vegetables). And for dessert, nothing better than the caramel-filled waffle cookie known as Stroopwaffels.

The times to taste these wonders have nothing to do with the Spanish. There they eat breakfast strongly at around 8 and eat between 11 and 1 in the afternoon without exceeding. Dinner awaits them between 6 and 7 in the afternoon, so we could say that they do not go on a full stomach to sleep. Of course, they do not go to bed as late as in Spain.

Coffee shops

Everyone knows that Dutch Coffee Shops are not famous for the coffee they offer their customers. What has made them popular is the hashish and the marijuana, which can be consumed as a smoke, drink or food. There it is legal to consume those drugs, although outside of these places it is completely prohibited. What will surprise you is that in these places you cannot smoke tobacco or drink alcohol.

Recommended article: 10 cities in which to practice marijuana tourism.

Body language and presentations

The Dutch do not like to give the note as it happens with the Spanish or the Italians, who sometimes seem to enjoy speaking aloud in public. They are rather reserved (and polite) and rarely speak to strangers. Also, they often wait for eye contact to start talking. On the other hand, you should know that if they put their index finger close to your ear, it is not to tell you that you are crazy, but that they do it to communicate that they have a phone call.Being late is very frowned upon, the same can be said of the fact of not showing up to someone we just met.

Curiosities

Reaching negative 15 degrees in winter is quite common. Of course, you should not worry, since according to the Dutch "there is no bad weather, there are bad clothes".

You will rarely see curtains in a Dutch building.

Dutch men are the tallest in the world. Average measures 1.84 meters.

More than 80% of Dutch people speak English very well despite not being an official language.

Up to 40% of the Dutch are atheists.

Holland is known as the Netherlands because almost its entire surface is below sea level.

New York, in its beginnings, was colonized by the Dutch. So it was known as New Amsterdam.

Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer are some of the most popular artists who were born and raised in the Netherlands. They all succeeded internationally thanks to their works of art.

Recommended article: The most beautiful cities in the Netherlands.

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