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Herring Festival 2025 in Scheveningen The Hague 21st June

Herring Festival 2025

WHERE: The Hague/Scheveningen, Netherlands
WHEN: June 21, 2024

Vlaggetjesdag, which literally means “Flag Day,” is a maritime event in the Netherlands that has been celebrated for over 100 years in some of the country’s most important ports.

At the time, to celebrate the start of the fishing season, a big party was organized, usually on the first Saturday after Pentecost. The boats displayed flags and pennants (hence the name) to celebrate the first trip to sea after the winter. All the inhabitants flocked to admire the beautifully decorated boats.

Today, the name (Flag Day) and spirit of this over a century-old celebration have been preserved, although the original meaning has been modified. Today, in fact, the first herrings of the season are celebrated, the so-called Hollandse nieuwe, a true local specialty.

This is the best time to enjoy herring: not too lean, not too fat. You can try to win the first catch, brought to the seashore, and sold at auction. The proceeds, however, will be donated to charity!
Between food, music, and spectators in traditional dress, fun is guaranteed.

Herring Festival The Hague

Photo ©, Hypergio

PRACTICAL INFO

THE PLACES OF THE HERRING FESTIVAL

The Herring Festival takes place in the ports of IJmuiden, Vlaardingen and, above all, Scheveningen.
It is precisely in Scheveningen that the most important, beloved and renowned festival in the whole country is celebrated.

The beach is famous for the presence of its lively and long pier, and is easily accessible from The Hague, which is just 5 kilometers away.
From the center of The Hague you can use bus 22 or the faster tram 9. The journey takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on the means of transport.

TICKETS AND TIMES 2025

Since 2006, the official date has been established each year by the merchants, maintaining the Saturday rule.
The 2025 edition of the Herring Festival will officially take place on Saturday 21 June 2025, starting at 10:00 until approximately 19:00.

Entrance to the area is FREE, except in areas where it is otherwise specified.
Obviously, you pay for what you consume.

HERRING FESTIVAL 2025 PROGRAM

On June 21st, over 200,000 spectators are expecting you to attend the event. From the morning, all of Scheveningen will be a riot of waving flags.
As per tradition, there will be events, games and activities for everyone, especially children.
In the afternoon, don’t miss the costumed re-enactment, with the wives greeting the fishermen on the ships.
This will be followed by the Herring Party: the largest herring party in Holland. And then, the traditional sailors’ songs, which visitors can try their hand at.
At the party, there is always something to do, and to see.

Scheveningen is a very devout community. For this reason, the ceremony is not limited to just entertainment. The following day, in fact, at noon, there is an appointment with the eagerly awaited religious service.

*all information, times and prices are for information purposes only and are not to be considered official. The names and brands used here belong to their respective owners

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