Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Koningsdag

Put on your orange and join the celebration! Koningsdag is a day filled with festivities, parades, and delicious Dutch treats. Join in on the fun!
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
April 27
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Cultural
Location Icon
Country
Netherlands
Introduction

Get ready to celebrate Koningsdag, also known as King's Day, on April 27! This lively holiday is celebrated in the Netherlands and marks the birthday of the reigning monarch. It has been a national holiday since 2014 and is known for its vibrant street parties, flea markets, and traditional Dutch games and activities. It's a day full of orange (the national color) and festivities all around the country. So put on your best orange outfit and get ready to join in on the fun!

History of Koningsdag

Koningsdag Dates

Koningsdag Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1885</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Princess's Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>Princess's Day, the precursor to King's day, was first celebrated on August 31.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1890</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Queen's Day Introduction</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday was renamed Queen's Day after the ascension of Queen Wilhelmina.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Date Change to April 30</div><div class='timeline-text'>Upon Queen Juliana’s ascension, Queen’s Day was moved to April 30, her actual birthday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Retaining of Queen Juliana's Birthday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Queen Beatrix kept her mother’s birthday as the date of the holiday despite having a January birthday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of King's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander, Queen's Day was changed to King's Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebration Date Moved to April 27</div><div class='timeline-text'>The date was moved to April 27, King Willem-Alexander’s actual birthday, and is still celebrated on this day.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Koningsdag

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a street parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in on the festivities by attending a colorful and lively street parade. Watch as locals celebrate their national holiday with music, dancing, and traditional costumes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear orange</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Embrace the Dutch tradition of wearing orange on Koningsdag to show your support for the royal family. Dress head to toe in orange or accessorize with orange accessories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a flea market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join in on the largest flea market in the Netherlands and sell your unwanted items or hunt for unique treasures. This is a popular activity on Koningsdag and a great way to experience local culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try traditional Dutch treats</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Indulge in some delicious traditional Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and bitterballen. These popular snacks are a must-try on Koningsdag.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch the Royal Family's boat parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Don't miss the chance to see the Dutch royals sail through Amsterdam's canals on their boat parade. Join the crowds and cheer on the king and queen as they pass by.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Koningsdag

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of Dutch culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Koningsdag, or King's Day, is a national holiday in the Netherlands that celebrates the country's culture and history. From traditional Dutch attire to street vendors selling local treats, this holiday is a great opportunity to experience and appreciate Dutch customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day for unity and community spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Koningsdag, people from all over the Netherlands come together to celebrate their shared heritage and pride in their country. It's a time when everyone can set aside their differences and enjoy each other's company in a festive atmosphere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There are fun traditions and activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From flea markets where people sell their secondhand goods to street parties with live music and dancing, there's always something exciting to do on Koningsdag. And let's not forget about the iconic orange clothing, accessories, and decorations that are a staple of this holiday - who doesn't love dressing up in bright colors and having a good time?</p></div></div>

5 Uncovered Facts about Koningsdag Celebrations

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Dutch Royal family participates actively in Koningsdag celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many royal occasions, Koningsdag sees the Dutch Royal family participating in common peoples' activities, whether it's games, dances or market visits, making it a unique spectacle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Koningsdag is one of the world’s biggest flea markets</h3><p class='facts-content'>Anyone can sell their goods on the streets without a trader's license on this day, transforming the nation into a huge open-air market.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Koningsdag starts with Koningsnacht</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festivities actually begin the night before Koningsdag, known as Koningsnacht, with parties and special events taking place throughout the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dutch tulips are honored</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Tulip Day also falls in April, and as part of Koningsdag celebrations, people often take part in activities like tulip planting or visit the blossom parks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orange frenzy is due to the Dutch Royal lineage</h3><p class='facts-content'>The color orange refers to the Dutch Royal Family, known as the House of Orange-Nassau. Hence, the sea of orange on Koningsdag is a show of patriotic pride and respect for the royalty.</p></div></div>

Koningsdag FAQs

When is Koningsdag?

Koningsdag is celebrated on April 27 every year. In 2024 Koningsdag will occur on a Saturday.

Koningsdag Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Apr 27

Thursday

2024

Apr 27

Saturday

2025

Apr 27

Sunday

2026

Apr 27

Monday

2027

Apr 27

Tuesday

Cultural Holidays