A joint investigation has revealed that the safety of 66,000 municipal bridges across the Netherlands is uncertain due to a lack of national legislation and oversight regarding inspections. There are currently no mandatory rules for how frequently or thoroughly municipalities must maintain their bridges, leading to potential safety risks.
The popular Dutch snack known as 'patatje oorlog' is believed to have originated in 1976 at a snack bar on Zonneplein in Amsterdam-Noord. A local man named Dick claims he invented the combination of fries, mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and onions, leading to the name being coined by an employee at the shop.
The 31st edition of the Haarlem Culinair food festival will take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026. The four-day event is set to be held in the city's central Grote Markt square.
Author and historian Floor Bal has released a new children's book exploring traditional Dutch folklore, including the legend of the 'Bullebak' monster from North Holland. These historical tales often served as cautionary warnings to keep children away from dangerous waterways, reflecting the reality of high drowning rates in the nineteenth century.
WorldPride begins in Amsterdam today, featuring a two-week program of concerts, street parties, and the Canal Parade. The event includes the official opening by Queen Máxima at Vondelpark and culminates in a closing concert at the Museumplein on August 8th.
The mayor and aldermen of Haarlem have received a salary increase this month. Their pay rise aligns with the new wage adjustments recently granted to civil servants in the Netherlands.