King’s Day is a celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. It is a national holiday, celebrated annually on April 27th with festivities and activities held throughout the country. Despite its royal origins, the event is celebrated by citizens of the Netherlands from all walks of life – from toddlers to the elderly. With so much to do and so many ways to celebrate, it’s no wonder that King’s Day is a favorite holiday of the Dutch. Here, we look at 7 reasons why you should join in the celebration this year.
Reason 1
King’s Day is a national holiday, which means that a day off work or school is guaranteed. It is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. For many, it is the start of a long weekend, with the day before and after the holiday also becoming days off. This extra time allows for longer celebrations and more time to enjoy the festivities.
The day usually starts with locals waking up early and getting dressed in the national colors of orange, green and white. Many people also opt for orange clothing, as it is the royal family’s color.
The streets fill up as the day progresses, with people gathering to join in the celebrations. Street parties and markets are abundant, and you can find local vendors selling all kinds of food, drinks and merchandise. This is the perfect opportunity to taste traditional Dutch treats and find souvenirs to take home.
Reason 2
King’s Day is also a great time to take in some of the country’s culture and history. The day is filled with performances by traditional Dutch folk groups and street theatre. You can also find art exhibitions, storytelling sessions and other cultural events.
The day is also a great opportunity to sightsee some of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. The streets are decked in orange, and castles, museums and churches often throw open their doors. You can also find outdoor concerts and theatre performances all over the country.
Reason 3
The biggest attraction of the day is the King’s Speech, held at Dam Square in Amsterdam. Here, the King addresses the nation and its people, speaking about his reign and his hopes for the future. It is a moment of national pride and unity, and a great opportunity to learn more about the royal family and its history.
The King’s Speech is followed by a parade through the city, with the King and his family on a royal boat. The boat is decorated with orange flags and is accompanied by a procession of boats, all filled with performers and spectators.
Reason 4
The day is also filled with activities that the whole family can enjoy. King’s Day is a great opportunity to experience local culture and traditions in an entertaining way. From traditional Dutch games to boat races, there is something for everyone.
In the afternoon, the streets are filled with people dancing and singing. Concerts and parties are held in clubs, bars and on the streets. This is a great way to experience the local nightlife and meet people from different walks of life.
Reason 5
King’s Day is also a great way to explore the Netherlands’s unique cuisine. Many restaurants and cafes serve typical Dutch dishes and snacks, such as cheese, croquettes, poffertjes and bitterballen. There are also plenty of food trucks and street vendors serving up delicious fare.
And of course, no celebration is complete without a few drinks. You can find beer gardens and outdoor bars serving a variety of Dutch beers and liqueurs. And you can always find a good cup of coffee or tea.
Reason 6
The day also offers a great opportunity to experience some of the country’s unique customs and traditions. One of the most popular activities is vrijmarkten, which translates literally to ‘free markets’. On this day, people gather in their local parks and squares to buy, sell and trade all kinds of items – from old toys to vintage clothing.
The day is also a great time to explore the country’s many windmills. Traditionally, windmills are opened up to the public on this day, offering a unique insight into the country’s engineering heritage.
Reason 7
One of the best ways to experience King’s Day is to join in the festivities. There are plenty of activities to get involved in, from boat races to karaoke. There are also plenty of events to attend, from parades to concerts. It is a great way to meet people and experience the local culture in a unique and fun way.
Celebrate King’s Day!
King’s Day is a unique celebration of the Dutch royal family and culture. It is a day filled with fun activities, delicious food and drinks, and an opportunity to explore the country’s history and traditions. It is a great way to show your support for the royal family, and for the Netherlands as a whole. So, join in the festivities this year and celebrate King’s Day!
King’s Day is a joyous celebration that the Dutch look forward to all year. It is a great opportunity to honor the royal family, explore the country’s culture and traditions, and have some fun with family and friends. So, make sure to mark your calendars and join in the celebrations this April 27th.