The flag has had a lot of work to do in recent weeks: on King's Day it proudly flew in the spring sun, on May 4 it hung modestly at half-mast, and on May 5 it was festively raised again for Liberation Day. Perhaps you yourself have been wondering for a moment: Should the flag be raised, at half-mast, or can it just stay up today?
In the Netherlands, we don't just hang out our flags . There are official flag days, fixed rules and also enough room for personal initiative. Let's put everything in a clear overview. Time for some flag etiquette!
The official flag days in the Netherlands
On these days, the Dutch flag may be flown from sunrise to sunset – without needing a special reason. Just join in with the country.
- April 27 – King's Day
- May 4 – Remembrance Day (half-mast until 6 p.m., then possibly at full mast)
- May 5 – Liberation Day (officially once every 5 years, so again in 2030)
- May 17 – Birthday of Crown Princess Amalia
- June 20 – Queen Máxima's Birthday
- August 26 – Birthday of King Willem-Alexander (officially: April 27, but August 26 is his name day)
- Prince's Day – third Tuesday in September
- November 19 – Birthday of King William III (commemoration, optional)
Please note: these days may vary or be extended. Always check the flag instruction on rijksoverheid.nl for the most up-to-date information.
Can you also come up with a flag day yourself?
Certainly! For your own party, birthday, or when your child has passed, then the flag can be flown, and often with a school bag attached. That is a typical Dutch tradition that no one finds strange. Also at anniversaries or weddings you sometimes see flags fluttering cheerfully. So just do it.
A mourning flag
Sometimes we hang the flag at half-mast, which means we are remembering or mourning. On May 4th we do that collectively, but it is also allowed on other days. It is important that you make the ribbon black or dark blue and that the flag hangs halfway down the pole.
Flags without a flagpole?
No problem. If you don't have a flagpole, you can be creative. A small flag in your window, a flag in the garden, or a cloth flag on the balcony works just as well. As long as it's done with respect, you're fine.
The flag as a cheerful corporate message
Did you know that the flag is also a powerful means of communication in business? For entrepreneurs, it is a simple but striking way to show: something fun is happening here! Think of a new store opening, a birthday promotion or an anniversary. A cheerfully waving flag attracts attention and immediately sends out a festive signal. In addition, you can have your own flags printed for your company, entirely in your own branding. A well-placed flag can immediately attract attention and leave a lasting impression. Think of national flags that proudly wave in front of embassies or companies that display their brand logo on large flags. These visual signals ensure that your company becomes recognizable and memorable.
Finally: let's raise the flag!
Whether you are celebrating your child, honoring the king, or just feeling the spring itch, flags provide that little bit of extra pride and connection. And let's be honest: a waving flag makes even a cloudy, gray day just a little bit more festive.
Image: Unsplash
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