Koningsdag (King's Day)

Netherlands · holiday · celebration

The King's Birthday. Koningsdag marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander on April 27th. It's the Netherlands' biggest national holiday, and the whole country turns into one giant celebration.

Orange Everywhere. Dutch people wear bright orange clothes, hats, and face paint during Koningsdag. Orange is the national color of the Netherlands, and it's the color of the Dutch royal family too.

Street Parties Galore. Cities and towns across the Netherlands host parades, concerts, markets, and parties where people dance, eat, and have fun together. Families gather in the streets to celebrate their king.

Queen's Day History. Before King Willem-Alexander became king, there was a Queen's Day on April 30th to celebrate Queen Beatrix and her mother Queen Juliana. When he became king in 2013, they moved the celebration to his birthday on April 27th.