Herring Day in the Netherlands

Herring Day (also known as "Vlaggetjesdag" or the start of the Hollandse Nieuwe season) is a traditional summer festival in the Netherlands, celebrated annually in mid-June to mark the start of the new herring fishing season. The first catch of Hollandse Nieuwe is offered for sale, then auctioned, followed by celebrations with music and tastings across the country.

Origin and Significance

A centuries-old tradition: The custom of celebrating the first catch of new herring dates back to the 14th century.

Official Opening: Today, the Netherlands Fish Bureau (Nederlands Visbureau) organizes an official opening ceremony with an auction of the first barrel of Hollandse Nieuwe. Proceeds typically go to charity.

The name "Hollandse Nieuwe" (Holland's New Herring): refers to young herring caught before spawning, which is particularly fatty. Traditionally, it is eaten raw, with onions, or in a bread roll ("Broodje Haring").

Herring Day Schedule: Annually around the third Saturday in June (slight regional variations are possible).

Venue: Particularly famous is Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag) in Scheveningen, where fishing boats are festively decorated with flags.

Program:

Presentation and tasting of the first herring of the season.

Music, dancing, and maritime celebrations.

Competitions such as the Haringpresentatiewedstrijd (Herring Presentation Competition – Who has the most beautiful presentation of the new herring?).

National Herring Festival

Since 1961: The "National Herring Festival" has been considered an important public event. Participants: Representatives of business, politics, the arts, and culture meet to network—accompanied by herring, music, and a festive atmosphere.

Philosophy: "Where good people meet, great things happen."

Cultural Significance

Identity and Pride: Herring Day is a symbol of Dutch culinary culture and maritime traditions.

Tourism: Many towns and villages hold their own herring festivals, attracting visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad.

Culinary Specialty: The first bite of a fresh herring (the "herring bite") is considered a ritual—often the fish is held by the tail and placed directly in the mouth.

Herring Day is more than just a culinary event: it combines tradition, community, and pleasure. For the Dutch, it is an integral part of summer, comparable to a folk festival, which also underscores the importance of herring to national culture and the economy.