Koningsdag

Koningsdag History

Queensday, or Koningsdag, celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander. The event carries significant importance as it highlights the unity of the Dutch people and their shared cultural heritage. The Observance typically includes outdoor festivities, flea markets, and the wearing of the colour orange, symbolising the Dutch Royal Family – the House of Oranje-Nassau.

The celebration dates back to 1885, when it was called "Princess Day," honouring the birth of Princess Wilhelmina, who later became queen. The tradition continued with the following queens, Juliana and Beatrix. When King Willem-Alexander ascended the throne in 2013, the observance was righty renamed 'Koningsdag'. British monarchs have long enjoyed close ties with Dutch royalty, particularly as both countries share a constitutional monarchy system that reinforces the symbolic role of the royals as unifying figures. Both nations also remain significant trading partners and bolster each other’s economies through progressive partnerships.

Although Queensday/Koningsdag is not officially observed in the United Kingdom, the sizable Dutch community residing across the UK does commemorate the event. Traditional festivities such as gatherings, wearing the colour orange, or attending events at Dutch social clubs, bars, or restaurants are common ways of celebrating the occasion. It is an opportunity for people in the UK to learn about Dutch culture and acknowledge the strong shared history between the two nations. The date of Queensday/Koningsdag, April 27th, remains the same worldwide.

Koningsdag Facts

• Each year, about 700,000 people come to Amsterdam to attend the King’s Day festival.
  
• The national colour for King’s Day is Orange.
• The festivities on King's Day often begin the night before, known as King's Night or "Koningsnacht," with parties, music concerts, and other events taking place in cities across the country.
• One popular tradition on King's Day is "vrijmarkt" (free market), where people sell second-hand items in the streets, turning the city into one big flea market.
• The color orange is significant because it represents the Dutch royal family and their surname, "House of Oranje-Nassau."

In the News and Trending for Koningsdag

Koningsdag Top Events and Things to Do

• Read The Dutch Royals: The First 200 Years of Monarchy by Philip van den Berg.
• Visit Dutch-related historical sites and museums in the UK, such as the sailing ship called 'De Delft' in London's Docklands, or the 17th-century Dutch House in Richmond.
• Some Dutch pubs in London, like De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar in Soho, might celebrate King's Day offering traditional Dutch beers and snacks, and even organizing parties.
• Take advantage of the spring weather and explore the beautiful English countryside. Go for a walk or hike in the countryside, visit a national park, or admire the blooming gardens.
• Football (soccer) is immensely popular in England. If there's a match on St. George's Day, consider watching it at a pub or attending a live game if possible.