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 The American Women's Club of Amsterdam (AWCA) is a non-profit, volunteer organization providing friendship and support for American women, as well as non-American women with close ties to the United States, who are living in the Netherlands.  The AWCA helps in facilitating the integration into the Dutch community.

Founded in 1927, the AWCA now has Members from the Amsterdam, 't Gooi, Haarlem, Amstelveen areas.  Newcomers are always welcome to attend!  Gatherings of various kinds are held in each of our four regional areas, making it easier for Members to get involved in their local communities.  As an AWCA Member, you will receive our monthly magazine, Tulip Talk, and have the opportunity to take part in classes and lectures, community service projects, newcomer activities, cultural events, tours, day and evening social events, and of course, the expected cup of coffee and friendly laughter.

At our monthly General Meetings, featured speakers present topics of political, economic, or cultural relevance.  We are a dynamic group of women, always open to fresh ideas. We invite you to join us at a General Meeting and find your place in the AWCA!  DOWNLOAD AWCA FLYER.
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2013 June Luncheon

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Holidays

Holidays by Month

January

  • New Year's Eve: "Oudejaarsavond"
  • Driekoningendag (6th: Feast of the Epiphany)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Mon after 15th)

February

  • St. Valentine's Day (14th)
  • President's Day (Mon after 12th)

March

  • St Patrick's Day (17th)

April

  • The Bulb District Flower Parade "Bloemcorso van de Bollenstreek"
    The 40 km route goes from Noordwijk to Haarlem. For more information, check out the Tulip Talk articles in the Members Section of this site and the Keukenhof Gardens website.
  • April Fool's Day "Een April"
  • Good Friday
  • 1st day of Passover
  • Easter "Paas and Tweede Paasdag"
  • Carnaval (the week before Ash Wednesday)
  • "Koninginnedag" (30th Queen's Day ) Each town has its own celebration of the Queen's Birthday celebrated on April 30th.  Suggested Dress: Anything Orange!  Most towns have a town wide flea market with children playing musical instruments, and selling their previously used toys.

May

  • Mother's Day (2nd  Sun)
  • Memorial Day (last Mon)
  • Hemelvaartsdag (13th Ascension Day)
  • Remembrance Day "Dodenherdenking" -- May 4th. For victims of WWII. Two minutes silence at 8 p.m. Queen places wreath at Dam Square in commemoration.
  • Liberation Day "Bevrijdingsdag" -- May 5th. End of German Occupation in 1945. Celebrations are held with street parties and live music. Vondelpark.
  • Luilak (meaning "lazy bones") -- Saturday before Whit Sunday, celebrates the awakening of Spring with children ringing door bells and waking people up in early morning.
  • National Cycling Day -- Second Saturday of May. See VVV for more information on cycling trips along special routes for families.
  • National Windmill Day - Second Saturday of May. VVV for more information, or Vereniging De Hollandsche Molen at (020) 623 87 03
  • Drum Festival -- World music festival.  See VVV or Uitburo for further information on event which takes place around mid-month.
  • Garden Days - See VVV for information on these days mid-month when private gardens are open to the public. 

June

  • Father's Day (3rd Sun)

July

  • Independence Day (4th)

August

September

  • Est en Opijnen: local feast of  Liberation
    On September 14, 1945, at a local feast of "Liberation" in Opijnen, B.Formijne, as President of the Orange Union placed great wreath on graves of American Soldiers whose aircraft was shot down by German fighter planes on July 30, 1943 in the town of Opijnen.  Each year several several AWCA Members attend the liberation memorial services in memory of the Americans who lost their lives in world war II on Dutch soil.
    • AWCA History:  The AWCA has a rich repository of historical information about the AWCA since its formation in 1927, including what happened during the war and the events surrounding the crash of an American aircraft in the town of Opijnen.
  • Labor Day (1st Mon)
  • Columbus Day (12th)
  • Jewish New Year (21st)
  • Yom Kippur (30th)
  • Prinsjesdag (Opening of Parliament-3rd Tues)

October

  • Halloween (31st)
    • Ben & Jerry's Halloween - This site has links, crafts for kids, Halloween decorations, e-greeting cards, games, and clip art. For kids or the young at heart.
    • The Salem Witch Museum - This is the official site of the museum in Massachusetts.
    • AwesomeCards.com - Visit this site for awesome Halloween e-cards.
    • illusions.com - This site is for those of you who want to know how Halloween started.

    November

    • Thanksgiving (4th Thursday)
      • Investigating the First Thanksgiving An interactive site from Plimoth Plantation, exploring the history of the first Thanksgiving from both the Native American and European perspectives.
    • Veteran's Day (11th)

    December

    • Sinterklaas: Sinterklaas arrives on the third Saturday of November by boat with his Zwarte Pieter. On December 5th (his birthday) there are family celebrations. Celebrated in The Netherlands.
    • Chanukah
      • Chanukah on the Net - This truly beautiful site for the whole family explains the spirit of Chanukah and the Menorah. You can make your own dreidel, as well as light a candle on your own virtual menorah. It's an impressive site and worth the download time.
    • Christmas
      • Northpole.com - Excellent site for kids! The graphics are terrific. At first a "cartoon" north pole of  animated graphics appears and you visit the different buildings in the village including the Reindeer Barn, where hidden stories can be uncovered! This is a highly creative and child focused site! You may write a letter to Santa and in two days you go back and check the mail box for his answer!! Submit your favorite recipes to Mrs. Clause's recipe book and much more! (Julia F)
      • Santa Land - Absolutely Fantastic page!  Recipes, plant tips, kids corner, live shot from Rockefeller Center to bring you closer to a New York Christmas, toy product safety and North Pole weather. These barely scratch the surface of this old time Christmas site!! Made me down right jolly! (Julia F)
      • Christian Christmas: Christmas in Cyberspace - A very nice page with many links for Christmas in Cyberspace 2000. It is strictly Christian with out Santa or Frosty explanations. You'll find music, sermons, graphics and many Christmas themes throughout the site, with a spiritual/religious flavor. (Julia F)
      • The Ultimate Christmas Site - A nice site. Includes a section on Old English Traditions. Color in your own card and send it by email, find out your naughty or nice rating and other fun games. (Julia F)
    • Kerst -- December 25th and 26th - Celebrated in The Netherlands
      • Kerst.net - This Dutch page covers all things Christmas starting in November, including events, music, contests etc.  Worth your watchful eye.
    • Kwanzaa
      • Everything About Kwanzaa - A detailed and informative site on the "fastest" growing holiday celebrated by over 13 million people worldwide.  Celebrated from December 26th through January 1st and known primarily as an African American Celebration.
      • MelaNet.com - Another great Kwanzaa site with online Kwanzaa shopping and "Real audio" sites and sounds.

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