Koningsdag (King’s Day) is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated on April 27th every year. It’s a day to celebrate the birthday of the Dutch king, Willem-Alexander. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Koningsdag 2024:
- Visit the vrijmarkt (free market): The most characteristic feature of Koningsdag is the vrijmarkt, a giant flea market held throughout the Netherlands. People set up stalls along streets and squares, selling everything from household goods and antiques to food and drinks.
- Attend a festival or concert: Many cities and towns organize special events for Koningsdag, such as music festivals, street performances, and children’s activities.
- Dress up in orange:Orange is the national color of the Netherlands, so it’s no surprise that people wear orange clothing and accessories on Koningsdag.
- Enjoy a traditional Dutch meal:For lunch or dinner, enjoy some traditional Dutch food, such as herring, poffertjes (small pancakes), or stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables).
- Sail the canals: If you’re in Amsterdam, take a boat tour on the canals to see the city from a different perspective. Many boats will be decorated in orange for Koningsdag.
Here are some additional tips for enjoying Koningsdag:
- Be prepared for crowds: Koningsdag is a very popular event, so expect large crowds, especially in the city centers.
- Bring cash: Many vendors at the vrijmarkt only accept cash.
- Public transportation: Public transportation will be running on a limited schedule on Koningsdag. If you’re planning on traveling to a different city, be sure to check the schedules in advance.
- Be safe: Koningsdag can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be safe. Be aware of your surroundings and drink responsibly.