Spring is on the horizon, and it brings with it vibrant celebrations across the Netherlands. This year, the festivities begin with Carnaval, observed from February 28 to March 2, particularly lively in the southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. Carnaval, derived from the Latin phrase carne vale, meaning "farewell to meat," marks the run-up to Lent, serving as a last hurrah before weeks of fasting. Local towns and cities are expected to burst with colorful parades and jubilant gatherings throughout this weekend, embodying community spirit and cultural heritage.
Simultaneously, the Islamic month of Ramadan commences on March 1, reminding Dutch Muslims and communities of reflection and fasting. With Ramadan lasting until March 29, it is noteworthy how secular retailers are adapting to the season. Many major department stores, like Bijenkorf, are now catering to holiday traditions, offering products geared toward the eagerly awaited sugar feest or "Eid al-Fitr." Marketing expert Abdelaziz Aouragh noted, "Supermarkets can do much more" to streamline offerings, particularly addressing shortages of baking supplies during Ramadan.
The IamExpat Fair is poised to delight the international community on March 8 at the Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam. The fair will connect more than 90 exhibitors with expats, providing insights and advice on important topics such as securing housing, language courses, and employment opportunities. With workshops on Dutch taxes and other essentials planned, attendees will undoubtedly find guidance through their expat journeys. "You’ll have the opportunity to get advice on almost any topic you can think of as an international living in the Netherlands," highlighted the fair’s organizers.
March also signifies the beginning of the Dutch tax season. Starting from March 1, residents are reminded to prepare their annual tax returns, which can be submitted online until May 1. It's recommended to have one's DigiD ready, streamlining the process for electronic submission or for consulting tax advisors for personalized guidance.
On March 29, international travel will see disruptions as renovations at Amsterdam Centraal complicate Eurostar connections between London and Amsterdam. Although the direct trains resumed service earlier this year, travelers will need to change trains at Brussels due to necessary passport checks spanning several weeks.
With the return from winter break, schools across southern and central regions will welcome students back on March 2. Parents can look forward to engaging children with various activities as they settle back after their well-deserved holidays.
Daylight Saving Time kicks off at the end of March, with clocks moving forward and bringing longer days just as spring blossoms. The spring equinox on March 20 marks the season’s official commencement, introducing delightful sunshine and blooming gardens.
A major highlight of the spring is the opening of Keukenhof, the celebrated flower garden located just outside Lisse. Set to open its doors on March 20, Keukenhof showcases some of the most breathtaking tulip fields, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the season’s beauty. Spanning only two months, it offers the perfect setting for families and friends to enjoy spring’s vibrant arrival.
Looking at the broader picture of the holiday schedule, spring break across the Netherlands is staggered to accommodate different regions. The northern region will experience spring break from February 15 to February 23, 2025, whereas the southern and central regions will enjoy their break from February 22 to March 2. This divergence plays a significant role, affecting holiday accommodations and local traffic patterns. Families traveling around carnival season may choose to stay home, adding to their local community's festivities, potentially leading to lighter traffic on the roads during their break.
Expect heavier travel around the commencement of the holiday season with notable traffic jams anticipated on the roads. Traffic congestion is expected on February 14 and 15 when the northern region's break begins, and again from February 21 to 22 for the central and southern parts. The weekend of March 1 and 2 is predicted to see additional traffic as holidaymakers return after their celebrations.
Prices for accommodations may vary based on holiday patterns. For example, accommodations may be more budget-friendly during the first week of the spring break when demand is lower from the southern regions, aligned with winter sports enthusiasts venturing up north.
With local customs like Carnaval and fasting during Ramadan, the community across the Netherlands showcases its cultural wealth from late February through March. This is the perfect time for both locals and newcomers to celebrate, ensconce themselves within rich traditions, and take note of how intertwined the seasons and festivities truly are. So whether you take part in the lively Carnaval celebrations, engage with your community during Ramadan, or simply enjoy the burgeoning of spring outdoors, the Netherlands offers plenty of reasons to embrace the changing seasons.