King's Day

King's Day, or Koningsdag, is a significant national observance in The Netherlands, serving the purpose of commemorating the birth of King Willem-Alexander. It is characterized by widespread community participation, fostering a sense of unity and fostering a sense of national pride. The day is marked by outdoor festivities, merchandise trading, music performances, and city games; orange-themed attire is notably worn, symbolizing the Dutch royal family's House of Orange-Nassau.

The observance of King's Day began in 1885 with the celebration of Princess's Day, marking the fifth birthday of then-Princess Wilhelmina. On her ascension to the throne, the day was renamed Queen's Day. When King Willem-Alexander inherited the throne from Queen Beatrix in 2013, the observance again underwent a name and date change, becoming King's Day. For the Dutch, this day is more than just a celebration of their monarch's birthday, it's an opportunity to display their 'oranjegekte' or 'orange madness' - a festive and jovial expression of their national identity.

In The Netherlands, King's Day is observed through a range of communal activities. Nationwide 'vrijmarkten' or free markets take place, where people sell their second-hand items. Children participate in games and activities, and Dutch artists provide musical performances in public spaces. National landmarks are adorned with orange decorations and Dutch flags in a show of patriotism. This annual observance is fixed on the 27th of April, King Willem-Alexander's birthday, but if this day falls on a Sunday, the celebrations are shifted to the preceding Saturday. A day marked by unity and celebration, King's Day holds a distinct place in Dutch culture.