Expat in Amsterdam

04/05/2024

May 4th Remembrance Day 🙏🏻
May 5th Liberation Day 🕊️

On the 4th of May, the Netherlands observes Remembrance Day, a poignant occasion to honor the victims of World War II and other conflicts. At 8 p.m., the entire nation pauses for two minutes of silence, reflecting on the sacrifices made for freedom. 🤍♥️
It is a deeply meaningful tradition in Dutch culture, symbolizing remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for those who gave their lives.

Adding to the solemnity, the King and Queen visit the center of Amsterdam to lay down wreaths, on the Dam square in Amsterdam, paying homage to those who sacrificed.
Their presence underscores the significance of the day and the country's commitment to honoring its past.

However, due to tightened security measures, this year only 10,000 people (with tickets) will be allowed to view the laying of the wreaths, emphasizing the importance of safety while preserving the dignity of the occasion.

On the following day, the 5th of May, the Netherlands celebrates Liberation Day. 🎊
It marks the end of the German occupation during World War II and the restoration of freedom and democracy in the country.

It is a day of joyous festivities and reflection, commemorating the resilience of the Dutch people and the values of peace and freedom.

Five years of occupation during WWII left an indelible imprint on the Netherlands, and the tangible memory of the war means National Remembrance Day is marked at a grand scale, with events and activities in villages, towns, cities and museums up and down the country. In fact, it’s not just one day...

12/04/2024

Counting down to Orange Mania a.k.a Kings Day - only 15 days to go! 🧡🎊

Attention, citizens of Planet Earth! Prepare yourselves for the most orange-tastic extravaganza of the year – King's Day in the Netherlands on April 27th! 🎉

Now, let me paint you a picture of what happens in the land of cheese and bicycles, otherwise known as the Netherlands, especially in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

Picture this: the streets are awash with a sea of orange – orange hats, orange shirts, even orange pets 🐕 (yes, really!).
It's like someone spilled a giant bottle of Fanta all over the city, but in the best possible way. But why all the orange, you ask? Well, it's all in honor of our king Willem-Alexander's birthday! 🤴🏼🍰

Trust me, we Dutchies know how to throw a birthday bash fit for a king! First of all, we've got the world-famous Vrijmarkt (translation: free market), where everyone and their grandma (literally) sets up shop on the streets to sell their wares. From vintage treasures to questionable knick-knacks, you never know what hidden gems you'll stumble upon – just be prepared to haggle like your life depends on it. 📚👚🌭

Next on the agenda: canal cruises. But not your average, run-of-the-mill sightseeing tour. Oh no, we're talking about boat parties that would make even the most seasoned party animal blush.
Picture this: DJs spinning tunes, confetti cannons blasting, and revelers dancing like there's no tomorrow – all while cruising along Amsterdam's iconic canals. 🛶 🎧🎷

Most of all… let's not forget about the infamous "oranjegekte" (translation: orange madness). It's like a fever dream of Dutch patriotism, where even the most reserved citizens let loose in a riot of orange-colored chaos. Trust me, you'll never look at the color orange the same way again! 🧡🦁🥕🚚🩳

So, dear global citizens, whether you're donning your finest orange attire (drop by the HEMA for your orange items😉) or simply marveling at the spectacle from afar, King's Day in Amsterdam is an experience like no other!

So grab an Orange tompouce (don’t ask), raise a glass of Oranjebitter, and join us Dutchies in celebrating our king in the most orange-tastic way possible! 👑🥂





📷 Immaterieelerfgoed.nl

01/04/2024

In the heart of the Netherlands, Easter takes on a special significance – it's not just a holiday, but a cherished tradition that brings families together in a celebration of food, heritage, and togetherness. 🇳🇱💛

One of the most beloved customs is the Easter dinner, where generations gather around the table to enjoy a feast of simple yet delicious dishes, including tender asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, ham and of course, camaraderie! 🌷🥚🍴

At the center of the Easter table is a vibrant display of fresh asparagus, a seasonal delicacy that symbolizes the arrival of spring.
Harvested from local fields, these tender beauties are lovingly prepared and served as a testament to the region's agricultural abundance.
Accompanying the beautiful asparagus dinner are often platters of hard-boiled eggs, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors. These eggs, painstakingly decorated by hand, serve as both a culinary delight and a symbol of rebirth and renewal – a fitting tribute to the spirit of Easter.

But perhaps the most important ingredient in any Dutch Easter celebration is the sense of camaraderie that fills the gathering. As families and friends come together to share stories, laughter, and good food, bonds are strengthened and memories are made that will last a lifetime. 💫

In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, the Dutch Easter tradition serves as a reminder of the importance of slowing down, cherishing moments with loved ones, and embracing the simple joys of life.

So this Easter, whether you find yourself in the Netherlands or halfway around the world, take a cue from the Dutch and celebrate with asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, and a generous serving of camaraderie.
After all, some traditions are meant to be shared – and what better way to do so than with those you love and hold dear? 💝 Happy Easter!







📷 HealthiNut

11/02/2024

HAPPY SUPER BOWL LVIII 🏈🇺🇸

For those of you who do not have a VPN - and like to stay up late - you’re in luck! 🥳 Check out what the Stadium looks like inside here > https://youtu.be/lBvqMNvyjwY?si=sP_S7eWAm6aso7s2

ZIGGO Subscribers can see the Super Bowl Live on:
ESPN (Channel 18)
ESPN4 (Channel 424) US commentary
ESPN1 (Channel 421) NL commentary

May the best team win!

30/12/2023

Thanks to our friends at the Embassy of the Netherlands in the United States 🧡

26/09/2023

Thinking about moving to the Netherlands? 🇳🇱

“Human development is about expanding the richness of human life rather than simply the richness of the economy. It focuses on people and their opportunities and choices.”
(Source: United Nations Development Programme – Human Development Reports)

measured a very high 0,941 on the HDI in the 2021/2022 report. 🔥

Have a look at the full report here ☞ https://lnkd.in/eVx3YM-G

Human Development is measured via the ☜

This is "HDI_promo" by HDRO on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

04/05/2023

Tonight, May 4th, at 8 PM / 20:00 CEST, We, the Dutch, will respectfully be silent in the whole of the Netherlands for two minutes.

We will remember all the victims of the Second World War and others who have died in wars and peacekeeping missions ever since.
(Public transport, including radio and television, will stop for two minutes and only broadcast the ceremonies).

On May 5th, we will celebrate Liberation Day!

Five years of occupation during WWII left an indelible imprint on the Netherlands, and the tangible memory of the war means National Remembrance Day is marked at a grand scale, with events and activities in villages, towns, cities and museums up and down the country. In fact, it’s not just one day...

27/12/2022

Have you been wondering which holidays your friends and family around the globe are celebrating this festive season?

Here’s an overview of how our world celebrates! 🌎💫

December Global Holidays 2022 December! the last month of the year brings with itself a vibe of Joy and festivity...

02/10/2022

Our fiends at IamExpat in the Netherlands always have great tips to share! Take Note! 💡

From the hotly anticipated return of the IamExpat Fair to the end of Daylight Saving Time, here are eight things expats in the Netherlands need to know in O...

12/09/2022

Amsterdam is of course a loved location to live, with 180 nationalities living in our capital. But did you know because our country is not too big, that many people live in one city and work in another?

The Netherlands is a great place to live. So, now that you’re considering a move to Holland — or already decided to start a new life in the land of

08/09/2022

❗️PLEASE CHOOSE ENGLISH at the bottom page of this important document!

Rising energy bill partly compensated

Om de forse stijging van de energierekening van huishoudens en bedrijven deels te compenseren, neemt de overheid verschillende maatregelen. Huishoudens met een laag inkomen krijgen bovendien een extra eenmalige energietoeslag van ongeveer € 1.300. En zij krijgen hulp om energie te besparen.

10/08/2022

Make sure you take advantage of your 1 Euro Summer ticket! 🌞😎

To encourage people to ditch the car in favour of public transport, GVB has launched a new 1-euro day ticket for those living and working in Amsterdam this ...