Koninginnedag and Orange craze
Queen’s day, or
Koningnnedag, is the national holiday in The Netherlands. However, it has gone
far from the traditional meaning of national holiday. Queen’s day is one of the
most unique national holidays in the world because it brings a fresh excitement
and attracts around 700 thousand visitors every year.
The biggest celebration
takes place in Amsterdam, starting from the night of 29th April and
the whole day of 30th as a carnival-like festival. On this day the
Dutch celebrate the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands. What is special
about the Queen's Day is that it includes all elements of the huge party. It is combined with the market in the streets
of the whole city (in Dutch: Vrijmarkt) and all kinds of activities and parties.
Almost all kinds of activities for festivals and events can be found on Queen’s
day. The dress code on Queen’s day is orange – the Dutch national color.
The Queen’s day has been
celebrated all over the Netherlands for more than 50 years. As a matter of fact
that Amsterdam is the capital and the biggest festival takes place there, year
by year, the popularity of the event has been growing fast. You can find any
type of exciting elements with this holiday, from the Free market traditional
trading, Queen’s night party, Queen’s day party, Rock and DJ party to Gay
parties.
Despite the
overcrowding, the atmosphere on Queen’s day is fantastically relaxed and
enjoyable. It is said that the Queen’s night is the time to be in Amsterdam
because most people will go out on this night. All the clubs across the country
have special events, especially in the crowded Amsterdam. The celebration starts
at around 7pm until early hour of the Queen’s day.
The Rock concert
starts at around 11am on Queen’s day on Museumplein and attracts thousands of
young participants. Other places you can find live music at are Leidseplein and
Stoperaplein (at the Waterlooplein). Across the city, the canals are full of
boats with loud music to enhance the lively atmosphere. If you are a fan of
Tiesto, you must enjoy the celebration more since you get the chance to watch
him perform live for free on Queen’s day. All clubs in Amsterdam organize
special programs and different kinds of music as well.
Amsterdam, being
famous as a city with exceptional charms like Red light districts, coffee shops
and gay bars all around the central area, celebrates Queen’s day in its own
way. Usually a big open-air party for gay and gay friendly people is held on
the Westermarkt at the Homo Monument (beginning at 11 a.m. on the Queen's day
until late in the afternoon), and another one at the Reguliersdwarsstraat, in a
10 minutes walking distance from Leidseplein. Gay bars and clubs also hold
different kinds of events on this day.
Though the main
activity for this event is to party, you should have your accommodation booked
as well since you need a place to rest in between. Party, sleep, party, sleep
again & party, that’s the way it should be on Queen’s day.
See
you on Queen’s day in Amsterdam!
Photos and article adapted from:
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