King's Day & Festivals

The Koningsdag (King's Day) on April 27 is the national holiday of the Netherlands — and the largest street party in Europe. The whole country turns orange (the national color, after the House of Orange-Nassau).

What Happens on King's Day

• Vrijmarkt (Free Market) — Everyone is allowed to sell on the street without a permit or taxes. Children sell old toys, adults clear out the attic. All of Amsterdam becomes a flea market.
• Boat Parades — The canals fill with boats full of people celebrating in orange. DJs play on floating platforms. It's loud, colorful, and completely crazy.
• Live Music Everywhere — Bands play on every square, in every street. Vondelpark is the largest open-air festival in the city.
• Tompouces — The orange-glazed pastry is a King's Day must. Every bakery sells them only on this day.

Other Festivals

• Sinterklaas (December 5/6) — The Dutch Christmas celebration: Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) arrives by steamship from Spain (!) in mid-November, accompanied by his helpers. On December 5 (Pakjesavond), there are gifts, poems, and pepernoten (spiced cookies). More important than Christmas!
• Bevrijdingsdag (May 5) — Liberation Day from Nazi occupation. Festivals across the country, free entry.
• Prinsjesdag (third Tuesday in September) — The King rides in a golden carriage to the Binnenhof in The Hague and delivers the throne speech. Pomp and pageantry in Dutch style.