There are specific rules and specific dates when you’re allowed to fly the Dutch flag. It’s not like America, where you’ll see the flag flying yearlong in front of houses, offices, restaurants and just about anywhere else you could imagine. The Dutch flag is only brought out for special occasions. That said, it’s been prevalent this past week, between Queen’s Day, Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. Fortunately, the beautiful weather has led to some beautiful shots of the flag glowing in the sunshine. This photo was taken on Queen’s Day. I loved the light filtering through the tree and its blossoms and the flag providing a splash of color against the more neutral background. Both approaches to flying the flag have their benefits; I wouldn’t say that one is better than another. Perhaps the infrequent appearances of the Dutch flag make it stand out more when it does appear. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
A Flamingo in Utrecht
My new life in the Netherlands
Very nice shot!
When I attended my naturalization ceremony, they gave us a Dutch flag and a little booklet with the corresponding instructions of how and when to fly it. The Dutch are not a very nationalistic people -not to difficult to understand why not, flags, marches, banners are a not too fond memory from the past here- but on special occasions such as Queen’s Day when they fly their flag the streets look very cheerful!