Flag Day (June 5th), the day the Dutch celebrate the start of the much-anticipated herring season, is the best-visited annual event of fisherman�s village Scheveningen. The village is located close to The Hague, a mere 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam. Flag Day celebrations start at 10:00am and continue until 6:30pm. This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Scheveningen harbor, festivities have been scheduled from Friday, June 4th through Sunday, June 6th.

The festivities on June 5th start with the traditional herring race, an event dating back to the 16th century when fishermen sailed out in their small fishing boats to catch the first herring (new herring) of the season. Many traditional boats, such as luggers, cutters and smacks, can be seen in the harbor. Cannon shots, fired by an admiral of the Royal Netherlands Navy to salute the sailors as a sign of good luck, announce the start of the race. The first fishing boat to arrive back in the harbor is the winner of this prestigious race. Traditionally, fishermen decorate the boats with small, colorful flags and the entire village descends upon the harbor to watch this festive display. The local fish market is a feast for the eye!

Nowadays, people from neighboring villages join in the festivities as well, wearing their traditional costumes. Folk dancers and singers entertain the crowds with local music and everyone is invited to participate in a herring eating contest to see who can devour the most new herring. Equestrians show off their skills on horseback and other entertainment is provided by the local fire brigade and the Royal Netherlands Rescue Company, who will display their equipment and skills with special demonstrations.

Scheveningen is not only known for its traditional harbor, but also as The Hague�s seaside resort. It is located only 15 minutes from the city center of The Hague, the largest village of Europe (The Hague never obtained city rights). The Hague, home of the Royal Family, seat of Dutch government and home to the International Court of Justice, offers world class art, architecture, culture and cuisine. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery houses famous works of Vermeer and Rembrandt, the Escher Museum is dedicated to the work of world-famous Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, the GeM (Museum of Contemporary Art) and The Hague Museum of Photography opened in December of 2002. The Hague is well-known for its antique stores and elegant shopping.

The Hague is only a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the number one airport in Europe. You can reach Scheveningen harbor by public transportation from The Hague Central Train Station. For more information on The Hague, see www.denhaag.com

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Media Contact: Bianca Helderman Netherlands Board of Tourism +1 (212) 370-7360 x27 bhelderman@goholland.com