King's Day

King's Day, known as Koningsdag in Dutch, is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27th. It marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, the current monarch of the Netherlands. The day is characterized by vibrant celebrations across the country, including street markets, concerts, and parades, with people typically dressed in orange, the national color of the Netherlands. Key aspects of King's Day: 1. Vrijmarkt (Free Market): One of the most popular traditions is the "vrijmarkt," a nationwide flea market where people set up stalls to sell second-hand goods, crafts, and food. The entire country turns into a massive open-air market. 2. Orange Craze: The Dutch show their national pride by wearing orange clothing, hats, and accessories, often referred to as "oranjegekte" (orange madness). This is because orange is the color of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. 3. Festivities: The day is filled with music, outdoor parties, and various cultural events. Cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague are particularly famous for their grand celebrations. Boats filled with party-goers often crowd the canals of Amsterdam. 4. Family and Community: It's also a day for families and communities to come together. Many local activities, such as games for children and neighborhood gatherings, are organized, fostering a strong sense of community. 5. History: Before 2014, the holiday was known as Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) and was celebrated on April 30th, in honor of Queen Beatrix. When Willem-Alexander became king, the date was changed to his birthday, April 27th, and the holiday was renamed King's Day. King's Day is one of the biggest and most festive holidays in the Netherlands, celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of all ages.