Traditions, Lifestyle & Habits in The Hague

During the year locals celebrate numerous interesting and unique holidays, which attract tourists and leave a lot of bright impressions. The evening of April 29 is the beginning of "Royal Nights". Residents leave their houses and go to the streets of the city. They sing, dance, drink beer, and enjoy snacks and fresh pastries. The holiday lasts all night long, and strongest citizens go to their homes only after dawn. The next day the celebration continues. All locals wear orange suits and walk in a solemn procession through the streets of Hague.

In summer the city hosts a variety of music festivals, the most famous of which is certainly Parkpop, which brings together fans of pop music from all over the world. Perhaps, ‘the Feast of herring’ is the most unusual celebration which is celebrated by the inhabitants of Hague in late May. On the day of the celebration citizens consume hundreds of barrels of young herring, but the first barrel is traditionally presented to the Queen. Another distinctive feature of the local people is love to street fairs and performances. Even on a normal working day you can find funny clowns and acrobats on the streets of the city, as well as musicians and skillful artists, who can draw a magnificent portrait within just few minutes.

An interesting fact - this old Dutch city has two names. The first name is «'s Gravenhage», which is literally translated as "hunting grounds of count". The modern name of the city - «Den Haag» - was approved only in 1990. This word means “hedge". These names reflect the love that the inhabitants feel for the magnificent nature of this place. The locals are very careful to the environment; in Hague often take place events, which cover most urgent environmental issues.

More about The Hague:
Local cuisine and restaurants
Entertainment in The Hague
What to visit in The Hague
The Hague tips
Cityguide to The Hague
The Hague photogallery