Amsterdam King’s Day

Koningsdag

Dive into a sea of orange and experience the Dutch extravaganza like never before – Welcome to Koningsdag or King’s Day, a national festival that paints the entire Netherlands in hues of joy and celebration! This day transforms the Dutch landscape into a thrilling carnival. Especially in Amsterdam, the city pulses with life, hosting large-scale concerts, special events, and a massive outdoor gathering at Museumplein that attracts up to 800,000 people! The city center transforms into a car-free zone, making room for the spirited crowds to spill over into the streets, squares, and canals for all-night partying. And remember, this royal spectacle winds down early, by 21:00, so you can catch your train home on time after the day’s revelries.

The fun doesn’t stop at just one day – the party begins on the eve of Koningsdag with the infamous Koninginnenacht or Queen’s Night. Nightclubs and public spaces across the Netherlands set the stage for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and revelry. Imagine yourself amid a sea of people, all dressed in orange (in honor of the House of Orange-Nassau), partying under the starry Dutch sky and welcoming King’s Day with infectious enthusiasm.

But it’s not just about grand parties and concerts; the spirit of Koningsdag lies in its community bonding. The nation-wide vrijmarkt or “free market” gives everyone a chance to hawk their used items. Children celebrate with traditional games like koekhappen (catching a spice cake dangling from a string in their mouths) and spijker poepen (lowering a nail tied to a string around their waist into a glass bottle). More than an outburst of patriotism, this vibrant festival brings the entire country together, creating a sense of belonging that transcends all differences. For one day, everybody in Holland is the same – Bright, Orange, and absolutely Barmy! So pack your orange outfit and be ready to join in the ‘oranjegekte’ or orange madness, a unique Dutch frenzy that awaits you at Koningsdag!