In the Netherlands, herring is eaten everywhere and at any time of year, but the arrival of a trawler with the first catch of the summer is celebrated as a national holiday by locals. The celebration is held on June 15th.

Dutch lightly salted herring is very delicate in flavor, and according to experienced gourmets, it reaches its desired weight by this time of year, accumulating at least 14-16% fat.

Just like in the past, at the end of May, fishermen set out with a supply of salt and barrels. They fish until all the barrels are full. After that, the fishing boats race to shore!

By this time, a huge crowd has already gathered at the port, as the first trawler to arrive will receive a handsome cash prize!

At the same time, a grand herring feast begins in the city! Dutch people from all over the country and hundreds of tourists from around the world take part in it!

Couples in wooden clogs and traditional costumes dance in the town square, orchestras play, and mountains of cleaned fish are sold at the stalls.

You can try herring at literally every corner. But eating herring the Dutch way requires a lot of practice. The herring fillet is taken by the tail, dipped in finely chopped onion, and, with the head tilted back, the whole thing is swallowed whole.