Whit Monday
Historical Context
Whit Monday always falls on a Monday, 50 days after Easter. It is a recognised holiday.
Whit Monday extends the Whitsun weekend into a long weekend. The day shares its Christian origins with Whit Sunday but is mainly celebrated as a day off in the Netherlands. In the 19th and early 20th century, Whit Monday was an important day for folk entertainment: fairs, trotting races, and farmers' markets were held specifically on this day. That tradition lives on in the festivals and events that take place on Whit Monday today.
Whit Monday is one of the most popular days for festivals and events in the Netherlands. Pinkpop, one of the oldest pop festivals in the world (since 1970), is traditionally held around Whitsun in Landgraaf. Many towns and villages also organise street markets, flea markets, and outdoor events. Garden centres see peak sales and theme parks are packed. It is also a popular day for cycling, walking, or visiting a terrace.