King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands, celebrated every year on April 27th. It is one of the country’s biggest and most colorful holidays. On this day, the Dutch celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The whole day is dedicated to celebration, music, free markets and, of course, the color orange, the national color of the Netherlands.
WHAT IS KING’S DAY?
King’s Day (in Dutch: Koningsdag) is the day when the Dutch honor their monarch. Since 2014, King’s Day has been celebrated on April 27 because that is the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Before then, Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) was celebrated April 30, the birthday of his mother, Queen Beatrix.
Although it is a holiday for the king, King’s Day is mostly about the people themselves. It is a day when everyone is free and gathers in the streets to party.
ORANGE CRAZE
What immediately stands out on King’s Day is the sea of orange clothing, accessories and flags. This “orange craze” comes from the Dutch royal family, which is called the House of Orange-Nassau. Orange is therefore the symbolic color of the Netherlands, and on King’s Day almost everyone wears something orange – from T-shirts to hats to face paint.
FREE MARKET: BARGAINS AND CHILDREN
One of the most special traditions of King’s Day is the free market. This is a huge flea market that takes place all over the country. On this day, people are allowed to sell stuff on the streets without a permit. Many children sell their old toys or give performances to earn a little money. Adults also sell clothes, books, furniture or homemade snacks. It is a kind of national garage sale.
MUSIC AND PARTIES
In cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, big parties are organized with live music, DJs and dancing. Many people go outside to enjoy the atmosphere together. There are also special “King’s Night” parties, which begin as early as the evening before King’s Day. It is a popular day for festivals and street performances.
THE KING VISITS A CITY
On King’s Day, King Willem-Alexander and his family visit a different city or village every year. The place is announced in advance and prepares a festive program. The king walks a route through the city, talks to people and watches performances and local traditions. This visit can be followed live on television. This year Kings Day will take place in Doetinchem, in the province of Gelderland.
WHY IS KING’S DAY SO POPULAR?
King’s Day is more than just a tribute to the king. Above all, it is a moment of togetherness. Young and old, rich and poor – everyone celebrates together. It is a day without obligations, when people simply enjoy being outdoors, meeting others, and celebrating freedom.
For many tourists, King’s Day is a unique experience. Amsterdam in particular attracts hunderds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The canals are full of boats with partying people, the streets are busy and cheerful, and the atmosphere is festive but convivial.
King’s Day is a celebration you must have experienced at least once in your life. It is a day when you see the true Netherlands: free, happy, and united in orange.
Article written by Ingrid Jaspers, CFR Global Executive Search the Netherlands