King's Day in the Netherlands and Europe
King's Day, or Koningsdag, is the most anticipated and celebrated day in the Netherlands. It is a national event held every April 27th to celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.
It is a day of happiness, togetherness, and patriotism, and the whole nation goes orange in celebration of their king. The event receives tourists from across Europe, making it one of Europe's most prominent cultural events.
Historical Background
King's Day has a history that started in 1885 when it was celebrated as Princess's Day to commemorate Princess Wilhelmina she took the throne in 1890 and was still celebrated on August 31st. Queen Juliana moved the celebration to her birthday, April 30th, in 1948.
Queen Beatrix, who came to the throne in 1980, kept the April 30th date even though her birthday is in January because of the more favorable weather for outdoor festivities. In 2014, the holiday was renamed King's Day following Queen Beatrix's abdication and the accession of King Willem-Alexander, and the date was shifted to April 27th, his actual birthday.
Common Activities
King's Day is famous for the countrywide vrijmarkt trade their second-hand goods. The tradition transforms streets into vibrant markets, with all sorts of second-hand clothing, homemade goods, and even pets up for sale.
Music concerts, street performers, and parties on canal boats are also part of the festivities. Large cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht organize large events, and huge crowds flock in to create an exhilarating atmosphere.
Ancient Traditions
Perhaps the most iconic King's Day tradition is the donning of orange, which is the national color of the Netherlands. In so-called oranjegekte or "orange madness," people wear orange attire, accessories, and even orange face paint as an expression of national pride.
Classic Dutch treats like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and bitterballen are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Music plays an important role, with modern tunes and Dutch folk songs being sung along to, adding to the festive atmosphere.
What to Expect
Visitors to King's Day can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The ideal time to go is early in the morning to catch the start of the vrijmarkt and have the whole day to enjoy the festivities. Amsterdam is the most famous destination, but the festivities occur nationwide.
There is very little public transportation on this day, so it is easiest to travel around the city on foot, by bike, or even by boat. Reservations must be made far in advance because of the tourist traffic. For first-time travelers, an interaction with the local culture, a taste of the local cuisine, and taking part in the street markets are highly recommended.
Conclusion
King's Day is not only a celebration of the birthday of the Dutch king but also a day that captures the unity and the spirit of the Netherlands. Vibrant celebrations, old customs, and hospitality are everywhere, making it an experience one cannot possibly do without for any traveler to Europe.
Whether you're in the packed streets of Amsterdam or enjoying a low-key celebration in a small town, King's Day is a remarkable observation of Dutch culture and tradition. Join the orange-clad throng and make lifelong memories in this one-day celebration.