Easter Monday
Historical Context
Easter Monday always falls on the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is a recognised holiday when most employees have the day off.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, extending the Easter weekend into a long weekend. The day shares its Christian origins with Easter Sunday. In the Middle Ages, the church prescribed multiple feast days around Easter, of which Easter Monday is the only one that has survived. In practice, the religious character has largely faded in the Netherlands. The day is primarily valued as an extra day off that, together with Easter Sunday, creates a long weekend.
Many Dutch people use Easter Monday for family visits, day trips, or attending Easter markets and events. Garden centres and theme parks are popular destinations: after winter, many want to start working on their garden or take the kids on an outing. In some villages, Easter bonfires are still lit or egg hunts organised on Easter Monday as well. For many, the day marks the start of the outdoor season.
Regional Traditions
Ootmarsum
Vloeggeln continues on Easter Monday, making it a two-day affair. The human chain winds through the town singing for a second consecutive day.
Groningen
Families play "notenschieten" (nut-shooting), a tradition believed to be hundreds of years old. Residents dress in "paasbest", new spring clothing worn for the first time at Easter breakfast.