In the Netherlands, Easter (“Pasen”) is widely recognized as a public holiday and a long weekend, giving many people time off to relax, travel, or spend time with family and friends. While Easter has strong Christian roots, only about 13–14% of people in the Netherlands attend church regularly today. For many, the holiday is therefore less about religion and more about enjoying the arrival of spring and time together.
At the same time, Easter remains one of the most important Christian celebrations, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes renewal, hope, and new beginnings—a meaning that continues to resonate, even beyond religious contexts. Let’s take a closer look at this special time of the year.
Witte Donderdag: the Last Supper
Witte Donderdag (Maundy Thursday) marks the evening before Good Friday and commemorates the Last Supper – het Laatste Avondmaal – of Jesus with his disciples. According to Christian tradition, this is when Jesus shared bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood, and introduced the ritual of communion.
The word “witte” (white) refers to purity and light, symbolizing hope and spiritual cleansing. Historically, it is also associated with acts of humility—such as the washing of feet—representing service and care for others. In the Netherlands, it is a quieter observance, mainly marked by church services.
The beautiful picture is ‘Het Laatste Avondmaal’ van Leonardo de Vinci.
Goede Vrijdag: Redemption and Hope
Good Friday (“Goede Vrijdag”) marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, it is the day of sacrifice and reflection, commemorating his suffering and death on the cross.
According to the Bible (particularly the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke), several dramatic events are said to have occurred at the moment of his death. Darkness covered the land for three hours in the middle of the day, the earth shook with a powerful earthquake, and rocks split apart. In Jerusalem, the curtain of the temple tore in two from top to bottom—symbolizing a renewed connection between God and humanity.
While the name may sound positive, “good” refers to the idea of redemption and hope – verlossing en hoop – that follows. In the Netherlands, Good Friday is more subdued than Easter Sunday. Some people attend church services, while others simply experience it as a quiet moment before the Easter weekend begins.
Easter in the Netherlands: Traditions and Culture
In the Netherlands, Easter (“Pasen”) blends spiritual meaning with modern, social traditions. Many people celebrate it with family and friends, enjoying a long weekend that includes Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
A highlight of Dutch cultural life during this period is the annual performance of the St Matthew Passion – Matthäus-Passion – by Johann Sebastian Bach. Across the country, concert halls and churches host these performances, which tell the story of the crucifixion through music. Members of the government and other prominent politicians traditionally attend the performance of the St Matthew Passion by the Netherlands Bach Society in the Grote Kerk in Naarden.
In parts of the Netherlands, especially in the eastern regions, Easter bonfires (“paasvuren”) are a long-standing tradition, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring and bringing communities together.
At the same time, large-scale Easter pop festivals such as Paaspop mark the holiday with live music, attracting thousands of visitors and highlighting the festive, modern side of Easter in the Netherlands.
And let’s not forget ‘The Passion’: In the Netherlands, the Easter story is also brought to life through The Passion, a popular televised event in which the story of Jesus is performed live in a different city each year. Combining music, storytelling, and well-known Dutch performers, it has become a widely watched modern tradition that makes the Easter story accessible to a broad audience.
Dutch Easter Traditions You Should Know
Easter in the Netherlands is also known for its light and joyful customs. Paaseieren zoeken (Easter egg hunting) is especially popular with children, sometimes guided by the playful paashaas (Easter bunny). People buy blossom branches and place them in a vase at home. Children paint eggs that are hung on the branches; everything is light and cheerful and symbolizes a new beginning.
Food plays a central role, with families gathering for a relaxed Easter brunch. A typical table includes eggs, fresh bread, and paasbrood, a sweet bread filled with raisins and almond paste.
A Time for Connection and New Beginnings
For expats in the Netherlands, Easter is a perfect opportunity to experience Dutch culture. Whether you attend a concert, join a brunch, or explore the outdoors, the holiday offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Easter is ultimately about connection through culture, tradition, and the shared feeling of a new beginning.
