Wondering why all that orange shows up in shops these days? Heard about this Willem-Alexander person, but don’t know who he is? Here’s our advice for surviving (and celebratin
(Photo: Justyna Botor)
I’ve been living under a rock. What is King’s Day?
The most important thing to know is that the Dutch like to party. Add a royal twist, and you’ve got one epic event. King’s Day, or Koningsdag, is a national holiday celebrated on April 27 every year, to mark the birthday of the reigning King, Willem Alexander. The day is marked with a nation-wide outdoor party, flea markets, concerts, games, beer and crazy crowds dressed in orange.
So, how can I celebrate King’s Day in Delft?
Step out of your house for starters. The little town of Delft will be a hustle bustle of activity. There’ll be a flea market all across town and food stalls with typical Dutch food. An entertainment programme is being organised at the Markt with dance groups, live bands and lots of fanfare. Every restaurant will up the ante for their regulars and you can listen to bands for free in bars as De Klok and De Vlouw. And at night 63 year old DJ Herman will host his epic Dixxo Herman, a very popular party in Koornbeurs. See the programme for all activities in Delft.
Do I have to wear orange?
Of course. We recommend finding your loudest orange accessories. The tradition started in honour of the name of the royal household, Oranje. If you don’t have anything orange, don’t worry. The streets will be full of vendors hawking all things oranje, from giant sunglasses to tall hats, and even orange holders for all those beer cans you’re going to buy.
Where else can I party?
It’s a nation-wide party. So, anywhere.
Den Haag
The Hague celebrates in a similar way, but what they’re renowned for is the King’s Night party the night before, where bands and DJ’s perform at various squares across the city in a free open-air event. Haagse Koningsdag also arranges a programme of activities from walks, boat rides, carriage rides and more.
Amsterdam
With a funfair on Dam Square, parties across the city, including partygoers packed on boats on the canals. No public transport will be allowed in the centre to make way for well over half a million visitors.
Rotterdam
Festivities will be on across the city, with markets, a number of music festivals, see for example Kralingse Bos Festival, Oranjebitter and Code Oranje.
Will I be hung-over?
Yes.
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