Spring, the Dutch Way
As winter is slowly coming to an end, many things start shifting across the Netherlands. The grey skies are slowly fading, café chairs reappear along the canals, and people fill the parks trying to catch the first rays of sunshine. Spring is not just a change in weather; it’s a cultural reset that is accompanied by many beautiful Dutch traditions.
If you want to fully embrace spring in the Netherlands, then check out these 5 Dutch traditions that encapsulate the season perfectly.
Tulip season
No symbol captures Dutch spring quite like the tulip. Although originally tulips arrived in the Netherlands in the 16th century, they have become a national icon. From mid-March onwards, big, vibrant fields of colourful tulips start blooming across the Bollenstreek (bulb region), just a short trip from Leiden. Apart from visiting the famous tulip fields you can enjoy them at home or decorate your office, as you can buy tulips in any supermarket or street market. Later in April you can also enjoy the Bloemencorso (flower parade). This year the parade is held on 18 April, and it features 15 floats with unique designs that will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem and can be observed near Leiden in Voorhout or Sassenheim. This is one of the biggest spring festivals in the Netherlands watched by more than a million people, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.
“Terrasjes” culture
The first sunny days above 15°C trigger a phenomenon also known as terrasjes pakken (grabbing a terrace seat). Canal-side cafés transform into lively meeting spots where friends sit together while enjoying a coffee or beer in the afternoon sun. After a long winter, the Dutch take every opportunity to enjoy the good weather and sit outdoors, even if jackets are still on. Terrasjes culture reflects the appreciation for simple pleasure and shared moments that the Dutch have.
White asparagus season
When April approaches, menus across the country begin announcing aspergeseizoen (white asparagus season). It is often also called het witte goud (white gold) as it’s considered a luxury, premium product due to its price and small harvesting window (April to June). Many consider white asparagus as the “king of vegetables” that marks the arrival of spring and is used as the main ingredient for holiday meals. Traditionally, it is served with ham, boiled potatoes, chopped eggs, and melted butter. The strong sense of seasonality reflects the appreciation the Dutch have for fresh, regional ingredients.
Rokjesdag
Spring in the Netherlands also comes with a uniquely Dutch concept known as rokjesdag (skirt day). The term describes the first warm day of the year when many women spontaneously decide to wear a skirt or dress outside without tights. Every year this day simply happens when the temperature and mood align. Newspapers usually try to declare its arrival and often people on social media discuss if “today is the day”. Rokjesdag symbolizes optimism, freedom and the psychological turning point from winter to spring.
King’s day
Although officially celebrated on April 27, preparations for King’s Day begin weeks in advance. You will see shop windows gradually turn orange, street markets start planning their vrijmark (free market), and more boat gatherings/parties on the canals. King’s Day celebrates the birthday of the Dutch monarch and over the years has grown into one of the country’s largest nationwide festivals. On the day itself you can enjoy Leiden as it fills with music, canal boats, second hand markets on the street and crowds dressed entirely in orange.