Historic arrival of the Hollandse Nieuwe at Hilton The Hague

The first GO – Hilton The Hague Haring Party took place at the BlueBlood restaurant. In collaboration with GO DMC, guests from the business community were brought together for an evening celebrating Dutch heritage, hospitality and connection.

Traditionally, this event is held in Amsterdam, but due to the ongoing renovation of the Hilton Amsterdam, this year’s edition took place in The Hague. The event offered guests a unique experience centred around the arrival of the ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’, one of the Netherlands’ most beloved culinary traditions.

The evening began with the arrival of Floris IV, Count of Holland and founder of The Hague, who arrived by horse and cart and recounted the story of the city’s origins and its historical links with trade and fishing. Shortly afterwards, the guests witnessed the ceremonial arrival of the ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ by boat via The Hague’s canals, a reference to the historic waterways that were once used to bring fish into the city.

The event brought together Dutch tradition and contemporary gastronomy. Guests enjoyed freshly prepared Hollandse Nieuwe herring, oysters, champagne, live entertainment and a culinary selection curated by BlueBlood, the award-winning Nikkei restaurant at Hilton The Hague. Alongside traditional herring dishes, the chefs presented innovative Nikkei-inspired dishes, including sushi and creations that combined Japanese and Peruvian influences with this iconic Dutch delicacy.

“The GO – Hilton The Hague Haring Party is all about bringing people together,” according to the organising team at Hilton The Hague. “By celebrating a typically Dutch tradition in the heart of The Hague, we are creating an opportunity for meaningful encounters whilst showcasing the city’s rich history and vibrant hospitality sector.”

The event centred on networking, relationship-building and cultural celebration. The combination of historical stories, culinary innovation and live entertainment made the arrival of the Hollandse Nieuwe a memorable experience that linked the past and the present.