National Windmill Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of May. This year’s date is May 13. Windmills are prevalent throughout the Western globe. They served as manufacturing facilities and energy sources for centuries. They influenced the growth of villages, municipalities, and in some cases, entire nations. They provided clean energy by leveraging the wind’s power. People have added more innovations to make them more effective over time. The modern equivalent of a windmill, the wind turbine, is a significantly more complex and sophisticated technological device. Up to twenty percent of the energy in countries such as Denmark and Portugal is generated by wind turbines. Today, windmills continue to be used to generate electricity.
The background of National Windmill Day
The earliest windmills date back several millennia. The majority of windmills were used to mill cereals. In countries such as Holland, windmills circulate and redirect floodwater for agricultural use. Without windmills, it is believed that the Dutch would have lost their settlements and cities to flooding. Even now, Holland has more than 1,000 windmills, some of which are used to drain floodwater and process maize. Initially, windmills were constructed using wood, but as technology advanced, sturdier materials such as metal were employed. The initial windmills in Europe were known as ‘post mills.’ These simple wooden structures were raised above the earth on stilts. They were not as durable or robust.
The tower mill evolved from the post mill in the 12th century. At this time in European history, only nobles possessed the means to build mills. Brick or stone construction made tower mills more dependable in turbulent conditions. Their blades could also capture more wind, generating more energy and accelerating grain processing considerably. The prestige associated with tower mills prompted a construction boom throughout Europe. In the 17th century, engineering advancements increased. Now the smock mill was established. It was designed to be less expensive, lighter, simpler to construct, and more efficient than the tower mill. They became the most popular type of windmill very rapidly. This is due in part to the fact that it was simpler to construct on wet terrains, an essential trait for the Dutch. Instantaneously, hundreds of windmills sprouted, transforming peaceful villages into industrial hubs.
National Windmill Day began in the Netherlands, but is also observed in other Western nations. It honours the long history of windmills and their significance in the early societies of Europe. It also considers the future of wind energy, a pure, renewable energy source.
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NATIONAL WINDMILL DAY ACTIVITIES
Visit a nearby windmill
If you have the good fortune to reside near a windmill, you should visit one. Some locations offer guided excursions that provide access to the interiors of windmills.
Discover how cranes operate
Design, construction, and operation of turbines are astounding. On National Windmill Day, devote some time to researching windmills and their operation.
Take a journey to Amsterdam
If you want to celebrate National Windmill Day in style, visit Amsterdam, which is home to numerous historic windmills. This holiday originated in the Netherlands, so elaborate celebrations and entertaining events are guaranteed.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WINDMILLS
The Netherlands is home to some of the earliest windmills in the world.
Europe had more than 200,000 windmills that processed grain, paper, oil, timber, gin, mustard, and other essential materials during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Almost all windmills rotate counter-clockwise, with the exception of those in Ireland.
At maximum capacity, the most powerful wind turbine can power approximately 500 homes.
China has more than double the installed capacity of the United States, the country with the second-highest amount of wind power.
NATIONAL WINDMILL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 14 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 11 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 9 | Saturday |