Every year we celebrate King's Day, but few people know where this tradition comes from. In 1885 we celebrated "Princess Day" for the first time, to honor the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. The event was organized with the aim of uniting the nation. The first year it was only celebrated in Utrecht, after which other municipalities took over this celebration in subsequent years.
After King Willem III died in 1980 and Wilhelmina was crowned Queen, Princess Day changed to Queen's Day. Until her abdication in 1948, Queen's Day was held annually on her birthday (31 August). Queen Julia took over the throne from her and celebrated Queen's Day on her birthday on 30 April. From the 1950s, Queen's Day grew into a national holiday on which more and more people were given time off from work.
When Beatrix took over the throne on 30 April 1980, she decided to continue celebrating Queen's Day on 30 April. The practical reason was that the weather on her own birthday, 31 January, was not so nice. The other reason was to honour her mother. Since 2014, we have celebrated King's Day after the inauguration of Willem-Alexander. We celebrate King's Day on 27 April except in the years that this day falls on a Sunday.
The Royal Family visits a place in the Netherlands where a special celebration is held. During this celebration, a village or city shows the highlights of that place. Often there are old-fashioned games and dances and plays are performed.
King's Day is a day when the entire country comes together and celebrates dressed in the color orange. Many households raise the flag and watch TV while eating an orange tompouce. Every year we have a day when the entire country is equal and celebrates that we live in the Netherlands. Over the years, many traditions have been added. For example, there are free markets throughout the country where children and adults sell their stuff.
In addition, parties and festivals are organized throughout the country that attract not only Dutch people but also many tourists. Unfortunately, some tourists do not have the current travel guides. Because of this, every year on April 30 you see tourists in costume who do not understand where the party is.
The unity of King's Day comes mainly from the clothing that people wear. Everyone has something with the color Orange. Or clothing with the colors of our red, white, blue flag. In addition, you see many people every year who have really made something of their outfit. For example, you see many princes, princesses, kings and queens walking on the street. You see the craziest outfits passing by, for example unrecognizable lovers of the party in a second skin suit . Buy your clothes for King's Day now at e-carnavalskleding!
