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Get ready to celebrate Queen's Day on April 30! This holiday, also known as Koningsdag or King's Day, is a national holiday in the Netherlands and celebrates the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. It has been celebrated since 1885, but was officially named Queen's Day in honor of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday in 1890. The day is filled with parades, street markets, and orange-themed festivities to honor the royal House of Orange-Nassau. So put on your best orange outfit and get ready for a day fit for royalty!
<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'>First Princess Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Princess’s Day, the precursor to Queen's Day, was first celebrated to honor the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina.</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'>Inaugural Queen's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Queen's Day officially begins in celebration of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday, replacing Princess Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Change of Date</div><div class='timeline-text'>The date of Queen's Day changes from August 31 to April 30 to mark the birthday of Queen Juliana.</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'>Queen Beatrix Ascension</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the change in monarch with Queen Beatrix’s ascension to the throne, the holiday continues to be celebrated on April 30.</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'>King Willem-Alexander's Reign</div><div class='timeline-text'>With King Willem-Alexander’s ascension to the throne, Queen's Day is renamed to King's Day and moved to April 27, though many still refer to it as Queen's Day.</div></div></div>
<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'>Throw a Queen's Day party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a festive Queen's Day party complete with orange decorations, traditional Dutch snacks, and music. Don't forget to wear orange, the national color of the Netherlands!</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'>Visit a local Dutch market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns have special Dutch markets on Queen's Day where you can find traditional Dutch treats, souvenirs, and more. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and celebrate Queen's Day.</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'>Wear a traditional Dutch costume</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you really want to get into the spirit of Queen's Day, consider wearing a traditional Dutch costume. This could be a full outfit or just an accessory like an orange scarf or hat.</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'>Learn a Dutch dance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns have organized Dutch dances on Queen's Day, so why not learn a traditional dance and join in on the fun? Or, you can learn a Dutch dance online and have a dance party at home.</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 a Dutch film or TV show</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Queen's Day by watching a Dutch film or TV show. This is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of the Netherlands while also being entertained.</p></div></div>
<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 and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Queen's Day (also known as Koningsdag) originated as a celebration of the birthday of the Queen or King of the Netherlands. It has now become a national holiday that is celebrated with music, parades, flea markets, and other traditional activities. It's a great way to experience Dutch culture!</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'>The entire country turns orange</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Orange is the color associated with the royal family of the Netherlands and on Queen's Day, the whole country is covered in it! From orange clothes and face paint to orange food and decorations, it's a sight to see. The festive atmosphere is contagious and adds to the fun of the day!</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'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Queen's Day is all about having fun with friends and family. People gather in town squares, parks, and streets to celebrate and enjoy the day. It's a great way to connect with your community and meet new people as you join in the festivities!</p></div></div>
<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 Queen or King traditionally visits towns on Koningsdag</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Queen's Day, the reigning royal - nowadays King Willem-Alexander or Queen Máxima – and their family traditionally visit one or two municipalities in the Netherlands, getting a chance to meet and converse with locals.</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'>Vrijmarkt (Free Market) is a unique feature of the holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>During Queen’s Day, citizens are allowed to sell goods on the streets without requiring a vendor's license and free of tax implications. This massive nationwide flea market known as Vrijmarkt invites everyone to participate, including children.</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'>Dutch citizens become honorary members of the royal family</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Queen's Day, everyone can feel like a part of the royal family. Wearing orange, the color of the Dutch royals, Dutch citizens and tourists alike show their camaraderie and spirit, becoming honorary members of the House of Orange-Nassau for the day.</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'>Queen's Day was first celebrated 5 years before Queen Wilhelmina's coronation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being officially named in honor of Wilhelmina’s birthday in 1890, Queen's Day was celebrated for her starting from 1885 when she was just a princess. This makes the holiday older than her reign!</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'>Queen's Night Celebrations are equally vibrant</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festivities for the holiday officially begin the night before, known as 'Queen's Night' or Koningsnacht. Various cities across the country organize large-scale events and music concerts, creating an energetic build-up to the main holiday.</p></div></div>
Queen's Day is celebrated on April 30th every year. In 2024, Queen's Day will fall on a Tuesday.
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday
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