A Dutch language teacher once told me that I had a too idealist and romantic view towards the Dutch, as though I had pictured a perfect - or naive - impression of its nation. That statement had a profound effect on me. That conversation somehow turned me down and until today I secretly reflect upon this; ever since I have been trying to find out if I was actually wrong.
Some of the nicest street and cultural celebrations I have ever been to took place in Holland. They celebrate Carnival with much enthusiasm and joy as a Brazilian or a Venetian. But there are two parties that cause lots of uproar and cannot be missed, which you should go at least once in a lifetime: Koninsdag (King's Day) and the Gay Parade.