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5 Best Ways To Celebrate Dutch King’s Day Like Local

The national Dutch holiday known as King’s Day (Koningsdag) honors and remembers King Willem-birthday, Alexander’s which falls on April 27. Everybody in the nation throws a huge party on this day! Discover the history of this particular day and learn how to celebrate like a native by reading on.

1. History of Dutch King’s Day

Indeed, Princess Day was the precursor to King’s Day. Several politicians in the 1880s believed that bringing the Royals to the public would do wonders for the country’s morale and sense of unity. As a result, on August 31, 1885, the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina (the current King’s great-grandmother), the Netherlands observed its first-ever Princess Day.

Queen-Wilhelmina
Queen-Wilhelmina

As King Willem III passed away in 1890, Princess Wilhelmina ascended to the throne (under her mother’s regency), and on August 31, 1891, Princess Day was renamed Queen’s Day.

Queen Juliana, the daughter of Queen Wilhelmina, replaced her as monarch, and April 30 became Queen Juliana’s birthday.

Queen Beatrix succeeded her mother Queen Juliana. Nonetheless, she chose to continue celebrating Queen’s Day on April 30 in memory of her mother rather than on her own birthday, which is on January 31. In addition to this nostalgic justification, practicality was also taken into account because April had a higher likelihood of offering favorable weather for all the outdoor festivities that have come to be associated with Queen’s Day.

King-Willem-Alexander
King-Willem-Alexander

Fortunately, Willem Alexander, Queen Beatrix’s firstborn, was born in April! So, the celebration was renamed to “KING’s Day” in his honor when he came to the throne in 2014, although the Dutch have continued to enjoy the lovely April weather while they celebrate.

2. Best things to do on King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Check out the King and Queen

A flower procession was usually held to celebrate Queen’s Day at the former royal palace of Soestdijk Palace in the Dutch province of Utrecht. But during her reign, Queen Beatrix changed this and decided to choose and go to a different Dutch city every year so that she and the whole of the Royal family, especially the children, could participate in the celebrations.

Dutch-King-and-Queen
Dutch-King-and-Queen

As you can expect, this was well-liked by the populace, and the “host city” selected every year views it as a tremendous honor. So much so that the entire city becomes one enormous party hall!

The King and his family, who, by the way, actually stroll around and talk to the locals and even participate in some of the celebrations (typically, local games), are welcomed with various decorations and floral garlands across the entire area.

Dutch-King-and-Queen
Dutch-King-and-Queen

The city is filled with podiums of all sizes, music festivals, speeches, street gatherings, food trucks, and other events. Therefore be sure to research the year’s host city and make travel arrangements if you wish to see the Royal family on Dutch King’s Day.

This does not imply that the party is limited to the ‘host city’ selected for the particular year. Everywhere throughout the nation celebrates Dutch King’s Day. In fact, Dutch King’s Day is known as the largest birthday celebration in the world because the entire country participates. There will therefore be King’s Day celebrations wherever you go in the Netherlands.

Explore “Rommelmarkten”

Dutch-King's-Day
Dutch-King’s-Day

The entire country transforms into one giant rommelmarkt on Dutch King’s Day (flea market). Anyone can set up booths or even just spread down a blanket on the ground to sell their wares anywhere in the nation. Old toys and undiscovered treasures like limited-edition Delft blue pottery can be found, among other things.

Dutch-King's-Day
Dutch-King’s-Day

Keep in mind that you can sell anything you no longer need if you don’t want to buy anything. So, King’s Day is the ideal day to dispose of any items you have.

Don an orange suit

On Dutch King’s Day, the entire country transforms into an orange party as orange is used for everything from tablecloths to napkins, flowers, clothing, umbrellas, jewelry, face painting, and food.

Dutch-King's-Day
Dutch-King’s-Day

Why is it orange? In 1544, William I was crowned Prince of Orange (county). During the Eighty Years’ War, he led the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish domination of the Netherlands, and his initiative helped the United Provinces of the Netherlands achieve independence in 1648. William I consequently earned the title William of Orange. And since, the Dutch Royal family has been represented by the color orange.

Festivals king's day
Festivals king’s day

Wear something orange if you want to party like a native. In fact, as you go outside on this day, don’t be astonished if you see folks who have turned completely orange.

You can consume oranges in addition to wearing it. It is customary to have orange pastries and drink orange beer (orange liquor). There will be lots of other Dutch cuisines you may eat instead, such bitterballen, kroket, and Hollandse Nieuwe haring (herring fish eaten raw with onions).

Go for a boat ride

Dutch-King's-Day
Dutch-King’s-Day

Dutch canals come to life even more on King’s Day as orange-themed vessels fill the waterways. You can hire one and go sailing alone, or you can go on a boat excursion with other people. Keep in mind that these could quickly turn into floating parties and can occasionally become boisterous, so if you don’t want to party in them, just watch them from the bridges or streets where they pass.

Visit Vondelpark

King's-Day-Vondelpark
King’s-Day-Vondelpark

Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known parks, and on Kingsday it comes alive with activity. You may wander the park and take in a joyful mood. The park is filled with entertainment, kids selling products, and numerous music stages.

Anna
Annahttps://my-lifestyle.co/
If you want to travel the world through blogs then my articles will satisfy you. With a never-ending journey, I'll take you to the best cities and exciting experiences!
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