The Experience
Welcome to the land where tulips blossom freely and windmills are a regular sight to enjoy. Holland or the Netherlands is one of the top European countries today. Its capital, Amsterdam is hailed as one of the best cities to invest business in. It is peaceful and businesses are thriving. The people are generally contented in their way of life and tourists flock the capital city and the rest of its historical towns regularly.
Netherlands is also known for its friendly people, architecture, arts, canals and wooden clogged shoes. It has a very rich history that contributed to its colourful customs and traditions today. In the 16th century, Netherlands became one of the 18 provinces of the great Roman Empire. When it gained independence in 1581-1795, the Dutch government then became a major seafaring country. This era was known to be the country’s golden age. Today, Netherlands still continues to play a very important part in Europe’s economy. It is in fact one of the world’s top 10 leading exporting countries. Another important aspect of Netherlands is its democracy and the freedom of its people to exercise their rights to express themselves. It is also a country of celebrations and festivities as a way to celebrate their culture.
One of the major festivities in Amsterdam is the annual Canal Parade also known Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade. Amsterdam Canals have become a part of the lives of the Dutch people ever since its construction in the early 15th and 16th Century. It was well planned and constructed during the great migration. The canals played a major part in the development of Amsterdam’s economy. This is one of the reasons why Canal Parades such as the Gay Pride Parade is very much celebrated not only in the streets but most of all in the historic Amsterdam Canals.
Netherlands is also known for its friendly people, architecture, arts, canals and wooden clogged shoes. It has a very rich history that contributed to its colourful customs and traditions today. In the 16th century, Netherlands became one of the 18 provinces of the great Roman Empire. When it gained independence in 1581-1795, the Dutch government then became a major seafaring country. This era was known to be the country’s golden age. Today, Netherlands still continues to play a very important part in Europe’s economy. It is in fact one of the world’s top 10 leading exporting countries. Another important aspect of Netherlands is its democracy and the freedom of its people to exercise their rights to express themselves. It is also a country of celebrations and festivities as a way to celebrate their culture.
One of the major festivities in Amsterdam is the annual Canal Parade also known Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade. Amsterdam Canals have become a part of the lives of the Dutch people ever since its construction in the early 15th and 16th Century. It was well planned and constructed during the great migration. The canals played a major part in the development of Amsterdam’s economy. This is one of the reasons why Canal Parades such as the Gay Pride Parade is very much celebrated not only in the streets but most of all in the historic Amsterdam Canals.
When to Go
Visitors enjoyed the colourful boats and floats that proudly sailed across the Canal. People on the dock happily cheered on, throwing confetti and yelling their favourite boat’s name. It was a celebration of freedom and self expression that the Dutch truly enjoys until now. Almost anyone can join the festivities. But because there are so many who would want participate, the organizers only limit the number of boats. Be sure to register early on to reserve your slot.
A festival is never complete without elaborate costumes and make-ups. Participants in the Annual Canal Parade wore different colourful costumes that represented their group, what they stand for or simply what they felt like wearing. Wigs of green, red and purple bobbed up and down as they danced to the lively tunes played on loud speakers that echoed until the far end of the Canal. It was impossible not to be drawn to the merry making. Even tourists who did not intend to participate in the celebrations ended up dancing, singing and shouting along with the others. There were snacks, food stalls, wine and beers to complete the festival.
The annual Amsterdam Canal Parade happens every August so this is the best time to participate or be a witness to this major event. April to September are the ideal months to visit Amsterdam and the whole of Netherlands. These months offer milder weather and longer days to enjoy strolling and shopping.
A festival is never complete without elaborate costumes and make-ups. Participants in the Annual Canal Parade wore different colourful costumes that represented their group, what they stand for or simply what they felt like wearing. Wigs of green, red and purple bobbed up and down as they danced to the lively tunes played on loud speakers that echoed until the far end of the Canal. It was impossible not to be drawn to the merry making. Even tourists who did not intend to participate in the celebrations ended up dancing, singing and shouting along with the others. There were snacks, food stalls, wine and beers to complete the festival.
The annual Amsterdam Canal Parade happens every August so this is the best time to participate or be a witness to this major event. April to September are the ideal months to visit Amsterdam and the whole of Netherlands. These months offer milder weather and longer days to enjoy strolling and shopping.
Odds n' Ends
There are so much happening in Amsterdam that you will never run out of things to do and sights to see. Actually, Amsterdam has the most number of museums in the world with over 60 absolutely magnificent museum buildings to enjoy. Stedelijk Museum is the right place to go to if you are into Modern and contemporary arts. The National Maritime Museum is where you would go to find out more about Netherlands and its love affair with the open seas. And definitely, you wouldn’t want to miss visiting the Van Gogh Museum where you can learn more about the life of one of the famous artists of the 19th Century. You might also be interested to learn more about Anne Frank, one of Netherlands’ famous historical figures. She left her unforgettable memories mostly in Amsterdam, houses and other places where she touched the lives of many, all worth visiting.
Do not forget to visit Amsterdam’s tulip gardens. Breathtakingly beautiful tulips in yellow, pink and white are in full bloom during the month of March until April. There are so many tulip gardens in Amsterdam which you can visit like the Keukenhof Garden.
Do not forget to visit Amsterdam’s tulip gardens. Breathtakingly beautiful tulips in yellow, pink and white are in full bloom during the month of March until April. There are so many tulip gardens in Amsterdam which you can visit like the Keukenhof Garden.
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Language Guides
Indonesian 
,
Turkish
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in Netherlands. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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