King's Day

King's Day History

King's Day, or Koningsdag, commemorates the birth of King Willem-Alexander. It is characterized by widespread community participation, fostering a sense of unity and fostering a sense of national pride. The day is marked by outdoor festivities, merchandise trading, music performances, and city games; orange-themed attire is notably worn, symbolizing the Dutch royal family's House of Orange-Nassau.

The observance of King's Day began in 1885 with the celebration of Princess's Day, marking the fifth birthday of then-Princess Wilhelmina. On her ascension to the throne, the day was renamed Queen's Day. When King Willem-Alexander inherited the throne from Queen Beatrix in 2013, the observance again underwent a name and date change, becoming King's Day. For the Dutch, this day is more than just a celebration of their monarch's birthday, it's an opportunity to display their 'oranjegekte' or 'orange madness' - a festive and jovial expression of their national identity.

In The Netherlands, King's Day is observed through a range of communal activities. Nationwide 'vrijmarkten' or free markets take place, where people sell their second-hand items. Children participate in games and activities, and Dutch artists provide musical performances in public spaces. National landmarks are adorned with orange decorations and Dutch flags in a show of patriotism. This annual observance is fixed on the 27th of April, King Willem-Alexander's birthday, but if this day falls on a Sunday, the celebrations are shifted to the preceding Saturday.

Top facts about King's Day

• The Dutch monarchy is one of the wealthiest in the world, with an estimated worth over €1 billion. This includes wealth from private property, investments, and a state-funded annual salary to cover the duties of being Head of State.
• The color orange is heavily associated with the Dutch royal family, belonging to the House of Orange-Nassau. On King's Day, people often wear orange clothing and accessories, decking their houses and streets in orange, a phenomenon known as "Oranjegekte" or "Orange Madness".

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for King's Day

King's Day Top Events and Things to Do

• See some music. Museumplein is typically the location of large open air music performances. Lots of young people attend and even camp on the grass in the middle of the square.
• Wear orange! The national colour is everywhere on King’s Day, hats, t-shirts, trousers, hair. Anything goes if its orange.
• Visit the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to admire its stunning architecture and get an insight into the Dutch monarchy.
• Rent a boat and join the thousands of boat parties along Amsterdam's famous canals. Remember to wear orange!