King’s Day: The Best Dutch Holiday
King’s Day here in the Netherlands is celebrated on the birthday of the Dutch king, Willem-Alexander. Every year on 27 April, the day is declared a national holiday, and the entire country dresses in orange from head to toe. But how exactly can you celebrate? When and where should you go? And how do you dress in true Dutch style? Read on to find out.
By Maja Piela
Let’s start the night before: King’s Night
It is arguably the loudest, most chaotic and most celebratory evening in the Dutch culture - apart from New Year's Eve, of course. King’s Night is filled with festivals, restaurant events and concerts across the country from Texel to Breda. However, based on a survey I conducted of Dutch people aged 18-40, many recommended that, for your first King’s Night, you stay local or attend a smaller event. Larger events in cities can become extremely crowded. Local events are still great for socialising, embracing Dutch culture, and creating life-long orange memories.
King’s Day is for everyone!
If you’re a visitor and think you can’t celebrate, think again. Kings’ Day is for everyone: locals, internationals, tourists, the young, and the elderly. It’s a celebration where everything, and I mean everything, turns orange: food, people, streets, and even decorations. The whole country transforms.
How do you blend in? Simple: wear orange!
Why orange?
You might be wondering why orange is so important. It is associated with the Dutch royal family, also known as the House of Orange, and has become the national symbol of pride. So how do you blend in like a local? Simple: Wear orange! On King’s Day, the country becomes one giant marketplace. Thousands of people, children and adults alike, sell mostly second-hand items on the streets, creating a lively and unique shopping experience. It’s a great way for anyone, including internationals and tourists, to take part in the celebration. It is also a great way to find items you need at a lower price.
The Voorschoten King’s Day
celebration
While most people say the best King’s Day experiences are in cities like Amsterdam, Delft or Rotterdam, smaller towns like Voorschoten also have plenty to offer. On 26 April, Voorschoten hosts a funfair also known as Kermis at Burgemeester Van Der Haarplein, perfect for some Pre-Kings Day fun. On 27 April, there are numerous activities to enjoy. Highlights include a concert at the Dorpskerk on Kerkplein, a children’s free market on Schoolstraat and Treubplein, and musical performances on Molenlaan and Voorstraat. For exact times and details, it’s best to check the official website of Oranjevereniging Koningin Wilhelmina Voorschoten.
International schools also play a role in introducing King's Day traditions. For example, The British School in the Netherlands prepares its learners in the days leading up to the holiday with games, orange-themed activities, and even orange food. Many international schools do the same, helping kids understand and enjoy this important cultural celebration.
Fijne Koningsdag
King's Day is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and remains one of the most vibrant and inclusive holidays in the country. I highly recommend that everyone go to celebrate it, as it truly becomes a sea of orange.Finally, I would like to wish you all an amazing King's Day. Go out, celebrate both King's Night and King's Day, and fully embrace the Dutch spirit around you.
