King's Day
Historical Context
King's Day falls on 27 April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. If 27 April is a Sunday, it is celebrated on 26 April.
King's Day was known as Queen's Day until 2014 and was celebrated on 30 April. After Willem-Alexander's accession in 2013, the date moved to his birthday on 27 April. The tradition of a royal holiday dates back to 1885.
The entire Netherlands turns orange on King's Day. The vrijmarkt (free market) is the most iconic tradition: anyone can sell goods on the street without a permit. Cities host festivals, boat parties (especially in Amsterdam), and street performances. The King and his family visit one or two municipalities.
Regional Traditions
Marken (North Holland)
Residents wear a special King's Day-specific traditional costume with orange elements. It is the only village in the Netherlands with a distinct klederdracht variant specifically for King's Day.
Amsterdam
Up to 750,000 people flood the city for a canal party, with hundreds of boats on the waterways. The Jordaan vrijmarkt is the most famous flea market. The vrijmarkt tradition started in 1971.
Annual Royal Visit
The royal family visits a different city each year, turning it into the national stage with local cultural showcases. The chosen city is festively decorated weeks in advance.
Overijssel & Gelderland
In traditional villages like Rijssen, Wierden, and Ommen, King's Day begins with a formal aubade: a music corps plays the Wilhelmus, the mayor speaks, and children play traditional games like zaklopen (sack race) and koekhappen (cake snapping).