The Netherlands observes Koningsdag as a national holiday to honor King Willem-Alexander's birthday on April 27. Also called King's Day, the day is filled with joyous celebrations, like going to flea markets, dressing up in orange costumes, participating in fabulous boat parades, and listening to music.
Depending on your interests and region, King's Day in the Netherlands offers a wide variety of activities. These are a few typical pastimes that a lot of people love:
On King's Night, the eve of King's Day, start the celebration by visiting one of the many music venues, taverns, and clubs that hold special events. Since orange is both the nation's color and a mark of allegiance to the royal family, wear your best orange clothing. Additionally, you can accessorize with face paint, hats, sunglasses, and orange wigs.
Participate in the street celebration to dance, sing, and socialize with both residents and guests. Throughout the day, a variety of DJs, bands, and artists provide entertainment.
Enjoy the King's Day boat parades from a canalside seat. Hundreds of boats adorned with balloons and orange banners float across the waterways. You can also attend a boat party if you have a ticket or a friend who owns a boat.
Visit the Vrijmarkt, or free market, where individuals sell their used goods on the streets without a trading license, to find some gently used mementos. Savor the street cuisine of Amsterdam, including kroketten, stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring. A brilliant orange liqueur called Oranjebitter can also be used to raise a toast to the king.
