Vlaggetjesdag (Celebrating the new herring season) 8 June 2013
From the beginning of the 17th century when the Dutch herring from the North Sea were introduced on the Dutch markets the “New Herring Season” has been celebrated. The best herring comes from the young female herring and can only be caught from the end of May until the end of June. The meat of this fish is at this time softer and fatter than normal.
The yearly event is celebrated with traditional music, an authentic crafts market and of course lots of herring. Vlaggetjesdag was originally the day the Dutch herring fleet was decked out with flags in the harbour, and put out to sea. Numerous performances and presentations take place in Scheveningen Harbour. www.denhaag.com