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The day the herring season opens, at Scheveningen. Traditionally in June.
The first barrel
The first cask of Hollandse Nieuwe is auctioned for charity. Bids run into tens of thousands, and it is about the honour rather than the fish.
The flags
The harbour is dressed with the fleet’s signal flags. They once marked ships ready to sail; now they are decoration.
What happens
Stalls, music, old fishing boats in the harbour, and a great deal of herring. The day draws hundreds of thousands to the coast.
When exactly
The date moves, usually a Saturday in June, depending on when the herring is fat enough. That is measured, not guessed.
Other places
Vlaardingen, Katwijk and Urk hold their own smaller and less touristic versions. For the atmosphere without the crowds, go there.
Where to be
Scheveningen harbour, in June.