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Queens day in Holland

Queensday

Holland the country of the cheese, wooden clocks, bicycles, lots of water and of course Queens day.

On the 30th of April, Holland celebrates the birthday of their queen: this day is called Queens day by the Dutch called 'Koninginnedag'. Queens day was originally called Princess day, and was celebrated to highlight the national unit. Originally this was celebrated on the 31st of August, then days the Dutch celebrated the birthday of their queen “Wilhelmina”. Still today we Dutch celebrate the birthday of queen “Beatrix”, on the 30th of April.

The birthday of the queen is celebrated through out the whole country, but Amsterdam is definitely the place to be! The whole country is changed into one big orange party field. People come to Amsterdam on bikes and by boats to party. Also queen Beatrix goes to a different city each year, to celebrate her birthday with the population. This year the queen will be in Apeldoorn!!

Around half a million people come to Holland to celebrate Queens day, this day is therefore seen as one of the biggest events of the year. Every one is dressed in orange. (orange is the color/ name of the Dutch royals). You will find absolutely everything in orange from sweets, drinks, cars, houses etc.

Queens day is the only day in the year, when the people in Holland are allowed to sell things on the streets without permits, that's way you will find lots of flea markets. You will find lot's of open air parties, snack stands, bands, music performances en not to forget a big funfair.

As Queens day is an official free day, people start to celebrate the queens birthday the night before as they have the possibility to have a lay in. This night is also called Queens night and in some parts of the countries called Princess night. All night clubs will have parties!!

So, are you coming to celebrate Queens day in Amsterdam?

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