King's Day: Why the Netherlands turns orange for one day every year

If you find yourself in the Netherlands on the 27 April, don’t be alarmed if you leave your accommodation and discover a city or town crowded with orange-dressed revellers. The day is Koningsdag – otherwise known as King’s Day – and it’s the country’s biggest party of the year.

Here, we explain everything you need to know about Koningsdag, including what it actually is, how it’s celebrated and where you can join the party. 

What is Koningsdag?

Koningsdag – also known as King’s Day – is a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. It’s also considered a day of celebrating Dutch culture and national pride, with most citizens taking part in one way or another. 

Where do Koningsdag celebrations take place?

Although festivities take place across the country, the largest King’s Day celebration unsurprisingly happens in the Dutch capital – Amsterdam.

But most cities, including Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague are also full of festivities, whereas more intimate celebrations can be enjoyed in towns and more rural areas. 

Traditionally, the royal family will visit a different multiplicity each year, putting a particular spotlight on that location. In recent years, Eindhoven, Maastricht and Amersfoor were among the chosen places. 

How is Koningsdag celebrated?

It will be hard to go anywhere urban without bumping into a street party or riverside DJ set on King’s Day. Town squares, parks and canals are flooded with orange-dressed revellers, and most establishments, such as restaurants and bars, join in on the fun.  

There’s also plenty of official music events and festivals. These are often ticketed and will need to purchased in advance. For example, Rotterdam has both Kralingse Bos Festival and Oranjebitter, both with a range of musical genres and a line up of artists.

Speaking of Oranjebitter (orange bitter), it is – without need for explanation – commonly drank on King’s Day. So raise your glasses and say cheers (proost).

But King’s Day is about more than parties. Many other events take place, such as vrijmarkts (Flea markets), which are popular in towns and cities across the Netherlands. Local people sell homemade items such as crafts or edible goodies, while children also take part and are allowed to sell their own belongings – mostly toys and clothing. Outside of Amsterdam, one of the best cities to visit for its King’s Day flea market is Utrecht.

There’s also plenty of family fun to be had, with fun fairs loaded with traditional and silly games to take part in, such as Spijker poepen and Koekhappen. 

What do you wear on Koningsdag?

Orange, orange and orange! In fact, you will stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t find your finest orange attire for King’s day. The reason people dress in orange is due to the reigning dynasty being the Huis van Oranje, meaning ‘House of Orange’. It has therefore become a national colour. Don’t’ worry if you don’t have anything in your wardrobe, there will be plenty of bargains to pick up from the flea markets.

What is the history of Koningsdag?

The origins of the national holiday date back to 1885, when it was first celebrated on the 31 August for Princess Wilhelmin’s 5^th birthday – the heir to the throne at the time. It was then known as Prinsessedag or Princess’ Day, before she became Queen in 1890, when it changed its name to Koninginnedag.

When Wilhelmin’s daughter Juliana abdicated the throne in 1949, the national holiday was changed to her birthday on the 30 April. It remained on this date when Jualiana’s daughter Beatrix became queen, due to her birthday being January 31 – the middle of winter. And finally, when Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne to her son in 2013, the celebrations then moved to Willem-Alexander’s birthday on 27 April, and has been celebrated on this date ever since.