Queens Day in Holland

Queensday

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

On the 30th of April 2010, 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, during the days the Dutch celebrated the birthday of their prior queen “Wilhelmina”. Today the Dutch celebrate the birthday of queen “Beatrix” on the 30th of April.

The birthday of the queen is celebrated throughout 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 countrymen. This year the queen will be in Zeeland!!

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

Queens day is the only day in the year, when the people in Holland are allowed to sell things on the streets without permits, so you will find lots of flea markets about. You will find lots of open air parties, snack stands, bands, music performances including a big fun fair.

As Queens day is an official holiday, people start to celebrate the queen's birthday the night before as they have the possibility to sleep in. This night is also called Queens night and in some parts of the country, it's still called Princess night. All the night clubs will have parties for sure!!

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

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Holland travel guide