Biting New Herring

Dutch people have some strange traditions - FYI i'm kind of an expat - and one of them is 'biting herring' (Harinkje happen) as they call eating raw fish.
The tradition is that on 'flag day' (Vlaggetjesdag) the very first barrel of new herring is auctioned for a good cause and after this event it's officially allowed to sell the new herring.
Suddenly everybody has the urge to taste the quality of the newly caught fish and there are many Herring Parties for free loaders like me to get the taste of it ;-)
Of course the Dutch aren't the only people to eat raw fish - actually the Japanese Sushi's are famous for being raw - but most people think its revolting to swallow a just caught raw fish, just like they'll never ever eat live larves as the aboriginals do ;-)
The nicest thing about this tradition is the way they eat het herring. Hold the herring over your head, turn your head back, open your mouth and let the herring slide in.
My picture is life proof they actually do it.

Wanna know more details or history? Click here!