SEPAC stamps, what are they?
Most collectors occasionally come across stamps from different countries that feature the same SEPAC logo. In this blog, we delve deeper into the background and meaning. Naturally, we will also show some SEPAC stamps...
Monaco
Grave of musketeer D'Artagnan found?
It could be one of the most spectacular historical finds ever in the Netherlands: a skeleton has been discovered in a church in Maastricht that possibly belongs to the famous French musketeer d'Artagnan. Where the remains of the French folk hero are...
The history of Easter and Easter traditions
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will be celebrated this year on Sunday, April 5 and Monday, April 6, 2026. At Easter, Christians commemorate Jesus' resurrection from the dead, after he had died on the cross two days earlier. Easter falls annually between 22...
Celebration of St. Patrick's Day 2026 in The Hague
What King's Day is to the Dutch, St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish. 'Lá Fhéile Pádriag' is the ultimate expression of Irish identity. St. Patrick's Day is the national holiday of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Montserrat, and the Canadian province of Newfoundland...
Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan and Cortina (2)
As I write this blog, the finals have taken place and the Games are over. Only the closing ceremony remains this evening. How quickly those two weeks have passed. The Netherlands has won so many medals. 20 in total...
Olympic Winter Games 2026: Milan and Cortina
The 25th Winter Olympic Games will be held in 2026 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. On June 24, 2019, the IOC selected the host city in Lausanne. The Games are scheduled for the period from February 6 to...
50 years of Josephine Baker (1906 – 1975): A life full of resistance
Fifty years ago, Josephine Baker, one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century, passed away. She was a dancer, a singer, and one of the first Black film stars. She fled racism in the United States and became a global star in Paris....
70 years of Citroën DS (1955)
The Citroën DS is celebrating its 70th anniversary. A milestone, especially in France. In French, the name is pronounced 'déesse', which means 'goddess'. The nickname 'goddess of the road' is also derived from this. The DS was conceived by designers...
150 years of Carmen (1875) and 150 years of Georges Bizet (1838 – 1875)
In my library in The Hague, all the musical pieces and books about Carmen and Georges Bizet have been gathered together as a small exhibition in the classical music department. This year, 2025, is a very special year because there will be two...
3rd Mahler Festival by the Royal Concertgebouw
From May 8 to 18, 2025, the Royal Concertgebouw is organizing the third Mahler Festival in its history. During the eleven-day festival, all the symphonies and songs of the beloved composer will be performed. Are you familiar with Gustav Mahler's music and what is...
Experience Ireland in The Hague during St. Patrick's Festival 2025
What King's Day is to the Dutch, St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish. 'Lá Fhéile Pádriag' is the ultimate expression of Irish identity. St. Patrick's Day is the national holiday of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Montserrat, and the Canadian province of Newfoundland...
150 jaar Maurice Ravel (1875 – 1937): No more Bolero’s
In March, it will be 150 years since the birth of composer Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937). Joseph-Maurice Ravel was a French composer. He is considered one of the foremost composers of the 20th century and, along with his older compatriot Claude...
150 Years of Impressionism in Amsterdam
In 2024, it will be 150 years since Claude Monet's *Impression, soleil levant* (1872, Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris) prompted a critic to write disparagingly about 'The exhibition of the Impressionists'. With this, an important art-historical event took place: 'the...
111th edition of the Tour de France starts in Italy
The 111th edition of the Tour de France (June 29 to July 21, 2024) starts in Italy. Never before has the peloton of Tour de France riders ridden a course in Italy. A first in the land of the Giro d'Italia. But...
Euro 2024 Route: the Red Devils (eleven Tintins on the field)
Belgium has a first at the European Football Championship in Germany. Their away shirt is based on the clothing of their comic book hero, so off on an adventure with Tintin! Naturally, this Adidas shirt is for sale on the webshop. And do the colors match...
200 years of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (1824-2024)
'Beethoven's magnificent Ninth Symphony is considered one of the highlights of classical music and is something you must hear live at least once in your life,' according to Sven Arne Tepl, General and Artistic Director of the Residentie Orkest. Unfortunately, the performance is...
