Everything you need to know about King’s Day!
By Lamija S
Edited By Viola Spada
Every country has a day that captures the spirit of its people. In the Netherlands, that day is King’s Day—a national holiday filled with tradition, color, music, and unity. This year it will be celebrated on April 26th (as the 27th falls on a Sunday) in honor of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. King’s Day transforms Amsterdam into a sea of orange, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate. For international high school students, such as ourselves, it presents a unique opportunity not just to have fun, but to immerse ourselves in Dutch culture, explore the city from a new perspective, and create memories with friends.
One of the most iconic aspects of King’s Day is the vrijmarkt (free market). Throughout the city, people lay out blankets and set up stalls to sell second-hand items, homemade crafts, or delicious treats. For students, it offers the chance to practice speaking in Dutch and sell your own pre-loved items. The vrijmarkt is not just about buying and selling, it's about connection and sharing stories behind every object on display.
Music is another core element of the celebration. On King’s Day, Amsterdam becomes an open-air music festival. Popular spots like Vondelpark, Museumplein, and the NDSM Wharf each offer different vibes, from relaxed family-friendly atmospheres to more vibrant and energetic scenes. For high school students, this is an opportunity to engage with music in a new way, not in the structured setting of school events, but in spontaneous street concerts and dance circles shared with strangers.
Perhaps the most visible symbol of King’s Day is the color orange. Worn in honor of the royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, it transforms the city into a glowing celebration of national pride. Wearing orange is more than just following a dress code; it’s an expression of solidarity and participation in something bigger than oneself.
Moreover, the holiday allows us to see Amsterdam from a new perspective. Streets that are normally filled with traffic become pedestrian playgrounds. Canals host floating parties, and neighborhoods known for their quiet charm come alive with laughter and music. Biking through these festive streets or exploring the stalls and stages on foot becomes a way of reclaiming the city, seeing it not just as a backdrop to daily life, but as an active space of celebration and culture.
However, with all the joy and energy comes a need for responsibility. It’s important for students to stay safe, stick together, be mindful of their surroundings, and respect public spaces. King’s Day is a massive celebration, and its success depends on everyone doing their part.
In conclusion, King’s Day is far more than a holiday, it’s an experience. For our students in Amsterdam, it offers a chance to step outside routine, engage with our community, and celebrate the spirit of the Netherlands. Whether through music, markets, or moments with friends, King’s Day reminds us of the joy that comes from shared traditions and the beauty of a city united in celebration.
