Kalayaan Day Picnic in the Netherlands: A Filipino Celebration of Home Abroad
Every year around June, there’s one day that always feels extra special for me and my Filipino-Dutch family in the Netherlands. It’s a day when Filipino music fills the air, the smell of grilled BBQ drifts between picnic tents, and the laughter of kababayans echoes across the park. It’s the day that we celebrate our Philippine Independence Day Picnic in Spaarnwoude — our annual celebration of home, heritage, and the joy of being Filipino, even while living far from the Philippines. If you’ve never been to one, or if you’ve just heard stories and wondered what it’s like, I’ll tell you all about it.
More Than a Picnic: A Piece of Home in the Heart of the Netherlands
Living abroad as a Filipino mom, there are moments when homesickness still sneaks in, even if you’ve been gone for decades — especially during moments you see Pinoy gatherings on your Facebook page! But this picnic is one of those special days that makes you feel like you’re back home, even just for a while. It takes place at Spaarnwoude Houtrak, a wide, green park located just between Amsterdam and Haarlem. The minute we get to the parking lot, we feel the vibe shift right away. From the sight of the Philippine flag, to seeing Filipino-Dutch families stepping out of their cars in cheerful groups, each carrying camping gear, folding chairs, and bags clearly brimming with food. You instantly know it’s going to be a fun, communal day!
What makes this event even more special for me is that it’s not something I’ve seen elsewhere. I’ve only ever celebrated Philippine Independence Day this way in the Netherlands, and honestly, it’s more than enough. The warmth, the community, the food — it all adds up to something truly unforgettable.
Our Family Tradition: One Tent, One Grill, One Big Extended family!
Every year, my husband and I (with our kids of course) load up the car with picnic gear: our big party tent, some folding chairs and a table, the BBQ grill with plenty of drinks and snacks. At syempre, hindi makakalimutan (of course, not to forget) the marinated meats ready for the coals! We meet up with our family friends — some of whom we haven’t seen since last year’s picnic. Life gets busy and many of my Filipino friends live hours away from Amsterdam, so bihira po kaming magkita-kita. But this event surely brings us all together. It feels like an old-school family reunion. The kids get together and play while the adults chit chat and enjoy more food!
What Makes This Picnic So Special?
I may not have other European celebrations to compare it to, but even just on its own, this Kalayaan Day picnic stands out. Here’s what makes it unforgettable for me.
✅ The Setting is Perfect
Surrounded by trees and wide-open skies, Spaarnwoude offers the kind of space you need to really settle in. You can stretch out on a picnic blanket, or put your tent up for that matter. The place is spacious for families, clubs and vendors all combined!
✅ The Community Spirit is Unmatched
This isn’t a formal event. It’s a celebration powered by love for everything Filipino and supporting our kababayans. Some families, like ours, would bring big party tents and set up little mini-camps for everyone to go to. You walk around, see familiar faces, make new friends, and get invited to join someone’s table. That feeling of belonging is so strong here.
✅ There’s always something happening
from live performances to pop-up Zumba sessions, there’s always a reason to clap, dance, or shout “Wooohoo!” It’s not just entertainment—it’s cultural pride on full display.
✅ The Food is everywhere!
Food is a HUGE part of this picnic. We may have brought our own food, but we’ve also got vendors selling all Filipino favorites — lechon, halo-halo, lumpia, turon, even Luneta ice cream! We always come ready with a full appetite and a bigger bag for take-home treats.
✅ You Can Shop, Too!
Every year I stock up on Filipino snacks, ingredients, and some go for skin care products they miss from back home. It’s like Divisoria meets Dutch summer fair — and it’s all Pinoy!
✅ You Get to Give Back
One of the things I admire about this event is how it often supports charitable causes. Some proceeds go to foundations helping children or communities in need, so your celebration can have an even deeper impact.
✅ Reuniting with Friends is the Highlight
And this is my favorate part: reconnecting. This is the one event that almost everyone shows up for. Friends who live far away, kababayans you haven’t seen since last year… suddenly, they’re all there, ready for hugs and chika!
First Timer Tips
If you’re planning to go for the first time next year, here’s what I always recommend:
- Get there early – Parking and good picnic spots go fast! Super aga ng mga tao when they go there. Vendors arrive at 7am to set up, but we’re sometimes already there by 10am and there’s already a crowd!
- Pack smart – Bring sunscreen, wipes, extra trash bags, and of course, drinks! Especially water (so you don’t have to get in long lines just to get a drink!)
- Bring cash and reusable bags – Shopping is a must so you can bring your own shopping bag. And not every stall takes card. So better have some cash narin.
- Invite your friends, pinoy or non-pinoys – The more, the merrier. This is a day best shared… with anyone, really!
- Charge your phone – You’ll want to take lots of photos. And for vloggers like me… film! So make sure your phone’s charged at full capacity! If not, bring a power bank.
Why It Means So Much
I believe that for a lot of us, living abroad can sometimes make us feel disconnected from our roots. But I believe events like this remind us that our Filipino culture is alive, strong, and thriving here in our “new home” —even if it’s thousands of kilometers away from the Philippines. It’s also a way for me to expose my kids to their Filipino side; that even though they’re growing up as half Dutch and half Filipino, they have a rich, colorful Filipino heritage that they should also be proud of. And what better way to celebrate that than with your close friends, good Filipino food, great music, and togetherness.
My Final Thoughts
The Philippine Independence Day Picnic that we celebrate here in the Netherlands is more than just a yearly event. It’s a celebration of belonging. It’s a love letter to home. And it’s a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, we always carry the Philippines in our hearts. So if you’ve never been to one, and you live here in the Netherlands (or happen to be here in June), I hope you’ll consider checking this out. Come with a big appetite, an open heart, and don’t forget your folding chair!
Back to Home
Back to Feature Blogs