Koninginnedag

Koninginnedag is a Dutch national holiday to celebrate the head of state's official birthday. It is celebrated on 30 April each year, which is the date of the queen mother's birthday.

Dutch Royal Family website ( http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl )

Carnaval

This is one of the most cheerful celebrations in the Netherlands, which takes place every year over three days in February ending on Shrove Tuesday.

Carnaval web pages ( http://home.wanadoo.nl/homepage/ )

Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is an important figure in the Netherlands and Belgium, especially for children.

Sinterklaas is a very old bishop who travels from Spain to the Netherlands and Belgium by boat every year, arriving in the middle of November. He delivers presents to children (of all ages!), especially on the 5th and 6th of December, a bit like Santa Claus does here in England for Christmas.

Official Sinterklaas Website ( http://www.sint.nl/ )