Easter Traditions in the Netherlands – How Do the Dutch Celebrate Easter?
Easter in the Netherlands is a unique holiday that blends tradition with a modern lifestyle. While it is not celebrated as festively as in other European countries, it has its own distinctive customs worth discovering. What does Dutch Easter look like? What dishes take center stage on the table? What can you do during the holiday weekend? Here’s a comprehensive guide for everyone living in or planning to move to the Netherlands.
Like in other countries, Easter in the Netherlands falls on Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag) and Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag). Interestingly, Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) is not a public holiday for everyone – many businesses and institutions operate as usual.
For the Dutch, Easter is primarily a time for relaxation and family gatherings. The long weekend encourages trips into nature, visits to parks, and spending time outdoors.
The most important Easter traditions in the Netherlands
Paaseieren zoeken – Easter Egg Hunt
One of the most popular Easter traditions in the Netherlands is searching for chocolate eggs. This game is loved by children, but adults often join in as well. Chocolate eggs are hidden in gardens, parks, and even shopping centers. In some places, a “golden egg” can be found, which comes with a special prize.
Paasbrunch – Dutch Easter Brunch
The Dutch do not celebrate an elaborate Easter breakfast like in many other European countries, but they do enjoy Paasbrunch – a mix of breakfast and lunch. The menu typically includes:
- Paasstol – a sweet bread with dried fruit and a marzipan filling,
- various types of cheese and cold cuts,
- eggs in different styles,
- fresh bread and croissants,
- desserts, such as an Easter version of *tompouce* – a pastry with cream and icing.
More and more Dutch people opt for brunch at a restaurant. If you plan to celebrate this way, it’s best to book a table in advance.
Easter Decorations and Symbols
During Easter in the Netherlands, yellow and green dominate – colors symbolizing spring and rebirth. The Dutch love decorating their homes with daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, while Easter garlands and bunny figurines often appear in windows.
Some families also create a Paasboom, or “Easter tree” – branches decorated with colorful eggs and ribbons.
Spring Sheep Herding – Osterlauf
This is one of the lesser-known but fascinating traditions in certain regions of the Netherlands. On Easter Sunday, symbolic sheep herding events are held, marking the return of livestock to green pastures. This tradition symbolizes nature’s rebirth and new life, which Easter represents.
Easter events and attractions in the Netherlands
If you want to spend Easter in an active way, the Netherlands offers many exciting events:
- Easter Markets – Special fairs take place in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Maastricht, offering handmade crafts, local delicacies, and holiday decorations.
- Keukenhof Gardens – Spring is the best time to visit the world-famous tulip gardens in the Netherlands.
- Cycling Trips – The Dutch love spending Easter actively, and cycling routes through tulip fields are a fantastic option for the holiday weekend.
Religious Easter Celebrations in the Netherlands
Although the Netherlands has a strong Protestant influence, fewer and fewer Dutch people actively practice religion. Here, Easter is more of a family-oriented holiday than a spiritual one. However, in larger cities, solemn masses are held in both Catholic and Protestant churches. In some areas, Easter processions take place, continuing traditions from centuries past.
Easter in the Netherlands – What You Should Know
- Are stores open? – Most stores are closed on Easter Sunday, but many shopping centers reopen on Easter Monday.
- Does public transport operate normally? – Services run on a modified schedule with fewer connections.
- Do people give Easter gifts in the Netherlands?- It’s uncommon, but children often receive sweets and small presents.
Easter in the Netherlands: A Unique Experience
Easter in the Netherlands is a time for relaxation, gatherings with loved ones, and joyful spring celebrations. Though different from Polish traditions, it has its own unique charm—from traditional brunches and egg hunts to festivals and Easter markets. If you live in the Netherlands or plan to move here, it’s worth getting to know these customs and joining in the local celebrations!