netherlands
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Before diving into the story, let me first give a brief explanation of who Sinterklaas is for those who may want to become more familiar with him. Sinterklaas is a traditional holiday figure celebrated primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany. The festival, which has roots in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions, takes
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Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is a beloved tradition in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, celebrated annually on December 5th (Sinterklaasavond or Pakjesavond) and leading up to that date. It is also observed in other regions with Dutch heritage. The tradition centers around Sinterklaas, a figure akin to Santa Claus, who is based
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Madurodam, nestled in The Hague, Netherlands, is a miniature city that captures the essence of Dutch heritage and ingenuity. Spanning just a few hectares, it offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the Netherlands, featuring intricate replicas of iconic landmarks, modern cities, and traditional villages. Opened in 1952, Madurodam is not only a delightful attraction for
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October 6, 1944 — deep in the tropical waters of the Java Sea, two submarines hunted beneath the same sun. One flew the flag of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the other bore the iron cross of Nazi Germany.By the end of the day, only one would remain afloat. A Dutch Submarine Far From Home The
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Someone asked me recently when I will stop telling Holocaust stories? I replied “there were 11 million victims, once all of their stories are told I’ll stop.” I won’t be able to tell all 11 million personal accounts but this is one of them. Thomas Pfeffer was born on November 22, 1936 in Amsterdam, the
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A Pinch Cat Flashlight I worked for Philips from 1987 to 1997. It was a company that took great pride in its history. In 1891, mechanical engineer Gerard Philips (1858–1942) and his father—manufacturer, banker and tobacco and coffee trader—Frederik Philips founded the light bulb factory of the same name in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In 1991,
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The Dutch Hunger Winter, also known as the Hongerwinter, was a devastating famine that gripped the Netherlands during the final months of World War II, from November 1944 to April 1945. This period of extreme hardship left a profound mark on Dutch society, shaped the collective memory of the war, and offered critical insights into
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During the German occupation of the Netherlands, the Austrian lawyer and Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart was the leader of the Netherlands. In October 1940, he established “Winterhulp Nederland” (Winter Relief Netherlands), modeled after a German example. The German occupiers hoped this initiative would create a favorable impression of the Germans among the Dutch population. Winterhulp Nederland
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Anton Mussert (1894–1946) was a central figure in the history of Dutch collaboration during World War II. As the founder and leader of the Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging (NSB), or National Socialist Movement, Mussert became one of the most notorious symbols of Dutch cooperation with Nazi Germany. His leadership of the NSB and his role in facilitating
History of Sorts 