Boats with partygoers fill the canals during King's Day. (Courtesy photo)

How to celebrate King's Day in The Netherlands on April 27

SCHINNEN, The Netherlands -- The Netherlands will host King's Day celebrations on April 27. From the largest cities down to the smallest villages, the entire country celebrates King Willem Alexander’s birthday.

There are street markets everywhere with people selling all kinds of souvenirs and food. Bands are playing on every street corner, every pub is serving beverages outside and people are wearing their orange outfits.

Tradition dictates that the Royal family visits one or two municipalities in The Netherlands. On this day, so with any luck, people may get the chance to see them in person.

Below is a listing of notable celebrations:

Amsterdam

King’s Day is celebrated with tremendous exuberance in Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands. Celebrations will be held through out the city. There is a huge street market of rugs and stalls where people sell all kinds of items and others show off artistic skills. The canals are filled with boats with celebatory people. For those who like a good dance, there are plenty large parties with famous DJs.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven has entertaining shows for people to enjoy on its squares during the evening before King’s Day: on Wilhelminaplein, Stationsplein and Stadhuisplein. King’s Day itself is especially enjoyable with street markets around Mathildelaan, Strijp-S and the squares mentioned before. 

Maastricht

This day is celebrated with a lot of entertainment in the center and surroundings of Maastricht. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a flea market in Stadspark. At the same time, there will be live music in Stadspark in addition to concerts on the Market Square starting at 2 p.m.

The Hague

In the city of The Hague, center of the courts in the country, King’s Day is celebrated as it should be. Street markets are here as well and the hustle and bustle is especially spirited around the canals, Statenkwartier and Noordeinde. What The Hague is most known for is King’s Night, the night before King’s Day, when its various squares -- Kerkplein, Grote Markt and Plaats, among others -- host to well-known bands and DJs. 

Utrecht

In the city, the street markets are open for people to enjoy on April 26 from 6 p.m. On April 27, there is, of course, a deeply convivial atmosphere to be enjoyed with decorated boats on the canals and fun parties and gigs on squares such as Domplein, Lucasbolwerk, Mariaplaats, Neude and Janskerkhof.

Fun fairs in other locations

In addition to the street markets and music, King’s Day tradition also calls for fairs. Every year, there are fun fairs to be found in different municipalities. The best-known are those at Dam Square in Amsterdam, Grote Markt square in Haarlem, Schiehaven harbor in Rotterdam and around Lange Voorhout in The Hague.

King’s Day activities usually occur in city centers. The festive markets, parades and festivals may mean that roads are closed. Therefore, it recommendation that people take public transportation into the cities.

STAY VIGILANT

Maintain situational awareness at all times when attending events involving large crowds

  • Avoid locations which restrict or limit your movement and ability to exit the venue quickly.
  • Pre-establish easily recognizable meeting spots to be used as emergency evacuation points where you and your family/friends can gather if needed.
  • Move away from fights, incidents and avoid panicked crowds.
  •  Report any suspicious activity, unattended bags or anything outside of the norm, to the local authorities.

Story by Rita Hoefnagels, USAG Benelux Public Affairs