April 21: Queen’s Day (King’s Day starting in 2014)

Queen’s Day or Koningsdag, as it is now known, is a traditional Dutch holiday that is celebrated on April 21 each year. It is a time to honor the Dutch monarchy and celebrate the country’s national pride. Originally, the holiday was known as Queen’s Day, as it was the birthday of Queen Juliana. However, with the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, the holiday was changed to King’s Day, starting in 2014.

On April 21, the streets of the Netherlands are filled with festivities, parades, and orange-themed celebrations.

One of the most popular traditions on Queen’s Day is the vrijmarkt, or flea market, where people sell their unwanted items on the streets.

The vrijmarkt is not just limited to individuals, even businesses set up stalls to sell their products.

The color of orange takes over the country as it is not just the royal family’s color, but also the national color of the Netherlands.

The origin of this tradition can be traced back to the House of Orange, a royal family that played a significant role in Dutch history.

Another popular activity on King’s Day is the King’s Day Concert, which is held in Amsterdam’s Museumplein.

This concert features nationally renowned orchestras and soloists, along with performances from students of the Dutch National Ballet Academy.

Since 2016, King’s Day has also included a special open-air market in Amsterdam, where artists and entrepreneurs sell their unique creations.

If you’re in the Netherlands during King’s Day, make sure to take part in the traditional Dutch games, such as Koningsspelen (King’s Games), that are organized for both children and adults.

As with any Dutch holiday, food is also an important aspect of King’s Day celebrations. One of the most popular treats is the famous Dutch delicacy, tompouce, a sweet pastry with layers of cream and pastry.

Along with tompouce, traditional King’s Day foods include haring (herring), bitterballen (meat-based snacks), and stroopwafel (a waffle cookie).

In addition to celebrations in the Netherlands, Queen’s Day and King’s Day are also celebrated in Dutch communities around the world.

This holiday is not limited to just Dutch citizens, as it is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Each year, the Dutch royal family also participates in various events and activities to mark the occasion, making it even more special for the people of the Netherlands.

With its vibrant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and unique traditions, Queen’s Day (King’s Day) is a must-experience for anyone visiting or living in the Netherlands.

So, mark your calendars for April 21 and join in on the celebrations of this beloved Dutch holiday!

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