Next Saturday the European championships will start. I now talk about football ( called soccer in USA btw). I wont discuss the possibilities of the Dutch national team ( cause they just need to win) but I want to discuss the "orange mania" what already has started here in my country.
Our national colour for events like championships, speed skating, olympics and so is Orange ( cause the last name of our royal family is Orange).
For non-dutch people its difficult to understand what will happen here with some events.
In all kind of towns, lots of streets are already changed in "orange streets". All kind of flags and so are hung up to give a feeling of real supporting our team. Even people paint their house in orange.






In shops a lot of merchandise is available in orange and a lot of "orange" samples are given away when you buy food with, for instance, a minimum amount of 10 euro's.
In commercial break-time, the main colour is... yes Orange.
When our national team will play streets, shops and so are deserted because almost the whole country will watch the game ( even the once who hate football).

I often wondered why that typical Dutch feeling. Its something even other countries write about. Just like on Queen's day here all (well a lot of, not including me) people wear orange clothes. There is a good "national" feeling like we all are one big family. When i see such things on TV it gives me pimples ( hope that word is correct btw). On the other side I always think: "all that weird people" , but great to look at.

In towns, were our national football team will play, there always is a "holland house" sponsored by Heineken (yes Dutch too). All kind of great activities are there to be done. Every evening a big party is going on there. Also in those towns a special place will be made to give place to all supporters coming with tents, caravans and campers. Little orange villages are created that way. I must admit when I see that on TV it gives a nice feeling, a feeling I actually feel proud about.