Origin & history
King's Day originated as Princess's Day in 1885, marking the 5th birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. When Wilhelmina ascended the throne in 1890, the holiday became Queen's Day (Koninginnedag), celebrated on her birthday (August 31). After her death, Queen Juliana changed the date to her own birthday (April 30) in 1949, and later Queen Beatrix kept April 30 as a tribute to her mother. When King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed King's Day and moved to his official birthday, April 27. Since his birthday falls on a Sunday in 2014 and 2025, the celebration shifts to April 26 in those years.
Customs & traditions
The most iconic tradition is the wearing of orange clothing and accessories, as orange is the color of the royal family (House of Orange-Nassau). People gather in streets and public squares for free flea markets (vrijmarkt), where anyone can sell second-hand goods without a license. Children especially participate, setting up small stalls. The day is also marked by live music, block parties, and massive outdoor festivals. Traditional foods include tompouce (a creamy pastry topped with orange icing), and orange-tinted treats like oliebollen. Many cities host concerts and boat parades (especially in Amsterdam), and the king and royal family visit a different town each year for a public celebration.
Why it is celebrated
King's Day is a celebration of Dutch national identity and unity, honoring the monarchy while allowing people to express their pride through festivity and collective joy. It symbolizes the close bond between the Dutch people and the royal family, and serves as a day of inclusive revelry, where social hierarchies are temporarily set aside in favor of communal celebration.