New Year's Day in the Netherlands

History and Traditions: New Year's Day, known as "Nieuwjaarsdag" in Dutch, is celebrated on January 1st and marks the start of the new year. It follows New Year's Eve ("Oudejaarsavond"), which is a festive occasion with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. Historically, the Dutch have celebrated the new year with various customs, some of which continue to this day.

One longstanding tradition is the "Nieuwjaarsduik" (New Year's Dive), where thousands of people plunge into the North Sea or other bodies of water across the country, despite the cold temperatures. This event often takes place at Scheveningen beach in The Hague, among other locations.

What People Do:

• Family and Friends: Many people spend time with family and friends. It’s common to visit loved ones to exchange well-wishes for the new year.

• Food: Traditional New Year's foods include "oliebollen" (deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar) and "appelflappen" (apple fritters). These treats are often enjoyed during New Year's Eve but can also be found on New Year’s Day.

• Relaxation: After the festivities of New Year's Eve, some choose to relax at home. Watching television specials or going for a walk are common activities.

• New Year’s Concerts: There might be concerts or special cultural events taking place on this day.

While celebrations may vary from person to person and region to region within the Netherlands, New Year's Day remains a public holiday where most businesses are closed, providing an opportunity for rest and reflection before returning to everyday routines.