Amsterdam hosts many international arts festivals like the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Holland Festival, Julidans, or the Roots Music Festival throughout the whole year. And when it comes to celebration, Amsterdammers are really one of a kind. During New Year’s Eve, the whole city literally explodes: children, families, young and old, everyone is out firing fireworks, dancing and drinking in the streets. In November, Sinterklaas (Saint-Nicholas) arrives from Spain by boat, and the streets get full of kids and families running around trying to catch a glimpse of the parade. And the most impressive of all is Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day): on 30 April, the Dutch celebrate the birthday of the Queen (Juliana, mother of current Queen Beatrix). It is crazy and worth seeing once in a lifetime: everyone wears orange, there are street parties, free market, live music and lots of drinking. Even parking is free on that day! All you have to do is enjoy!