The second Saturday of May each year sees the Dutch people celebrate something they are renowned for – windmills.
Mills have played an important part in the historical development of the Netherlands, shaping the land and the infrastructure, as well as towns and cities.
Windmills were used for everything, including corn milling, farming, saw milling and land drainage.
The need for windmills and watermills may have waned, but the Dutch still hold them in high regard and they’re an important part of their heritage.
There are more than 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands, with the vast majority still in working order. In fact, many towns and villages have taken it upon themselves to rebuild and restore old windmills to their former glory.
This weekend is a special date in the Dutch calendar, as it is National Mills Day across the country. This celebration of wind and watermills takes place in a number of countries, including the UK, but it is probably most significant in the Netherlands.
Each year, National Mills Day sees more than 600 mills open their doors to the public, giving people a chance to come in and see how they work.
But it’s not just about education – many of the mill owners will be decorating their mills with colourful flowers and flags, while others offer guided tours and activities.
In the Netherlands, National Mills Day coincides with National Cycling Day – creating the perfect chance to explore the countryside and windmills in true Dutch fashion.
(Images: Coanri/Rita, CafeYak, Arjen Almekinders, iorek7z)
