Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 11:07 pm
Us Dutch have a reputation for being a lively bunch and this becomes really obvious when we celebrate King’s Day in the Netherlands. It’s a day when everyone parties in the streets, dressed in orange in honour of our king’s birthday.
King’s Day is held on the 27th of April. Every year the king and his wife pick a town in the country which they will visit on the day. The royal family walks along a predetermined route, lined with orange clad people who offer them flowers and presents.
There are demonstrations, performances and games put on along the way to which the royals are invited to join in. It’s not an uncommon sight to see the king and queen playing tug of war or eating cake on a string on King’s Day.
The rest of the country is submersed in festivities as well. Many towns and cities open up their streets for free markets, where anyone can sell anything for one day only. Sellers will claim their spot days in advance and even camp out to secure the best place for their stall. You’ll find people selling food or second hand clothes, books or records. Some people busk or even sell hugs and kisses or a dance.
There are many street parties and bars and restaurants get special permits to serve drinks in the streets. Many cities organise music festivals and dance events in parks or town squares where you can listen to live bands and DJs.
My favourite way of taking in all the celebrations is hiring a boat with a group of friends and cruising through the canals of Amsterdam while having a picnic and toasting to King Willem-Alexander’s birthday on the water. Dressed in orange, of course.
