A Celebration of Unity and Festivity King’s Day, or Koningsdag in Dutch, is one of the biggest national celebrations in the Netherlands. On this day, the entire country comes together to honor the reigning monarch and celebrate the Dutch culture and heritage. In Amsterdam, the festivities are particularly grand, attracting millions of visitors from all…
A Celebration of Unity and Festivity
King’s Day, or Koningsdag in Dutch, is one of the biggest national celebrations in the Netherlands. On this day, the entire country comes together to honor the reigning monarch and celebrate the Dutch culture and heritage. In Amsterdam, the festivities are particularly grand, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. King’s Day will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2023 on the 27th April.
If you are travelling to or within Amsterdam on or around King’s Day in Amsterdam, you can book quality verified and comfortable private transport by Minibus or Coach at Volubus.
The Origin of King’s Day
King’s Day was originally known as Queen’s Day and was celebrated on April 30th, the birthday of Queen Juliana. After the accession of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, the date was moved to his birthday on April 27th. The day has since been renamed King’s Day and is celebrated with even more enthusiasm and grandeur.
The Celebration in Amsterdam
The King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam are legendary, with the city transforming into a sea of orange, the color of the Dutch royal family. The festivities start on the evening of April 26th with a concert in the Museumplein, featuring top Dutch artists and bands. The entire city comes alive with music, food, and entertainment, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
On King’s Day itself, the city wakes up to the sound of music and revelry. The streets are closed to traffic, and the canals are filled with boats and barges carrying party-goers dressed in orange. The Vrijmarkt, or free market, is one of the most popular activities on King’s Day. People set up stalls on the streets and sell everything from second-hand clothes to homemade food.
The King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam also feature traditional Dutch games and activities such as the ring-toss game, the egg-and-spoon race, and the famous Dutch sport of klompenrace, or clog racing. There are also parades, street performances, and fireworks displays in the evening.
The Significance of King’s Day
King’s Day is not just a day of celebration but also a day of national pride and unity. It is a time when people come together to celebrate their shared culture and heritage, regardless of their background or ethnicity. The orange color, which is worn by almost everyone on King’s Day, symbolizes this sense of unity and togetherness.
