Courtesy image of King William Alexander, his wife and his oldest daughter. (Courtesy photo by Robin Utrecht, Gemeente Amersfoort)

Netherlands celebrates COVID-proof King’s Day

By Naomi van Loon, USAG Benelux Public Affairs

BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – In normal circumstances, King’s Day in the Netherlands, celebrated April 27, is a day of festivities, flea markets, and of course, the king himself, as it’s a day in honor of his birthday. King Willem Alexander would usually visit a Dutch town with his wife, Queen Maxima, and their three daughters, Amalia, Alexa, and Ariane, and the visit would be broadcast live on television.

Although traditional King’s Day activities will not take place due to COVID-19, many people will still celebrate. This year’s theme is “Togetherness.”
 
Here are some COVID-proof ways the special day will be celebrated:

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Flags, carillons, and ringing church bells

On King’s Day, people will hang up the Dutch flag and pennant for the king and each other. It will be done from 6:23 a.m. local time onwards when the sun has risen. From 9:30 a.m., carillons throughout the land will play Dutch folk songs based on the theme of ‘Togetherness.’ Afterward, church bells will ring everywhere in the spirit of unity. At 10 a.m., the carillons will play the Dutch national anthem, and people are called upon to join in the singing from their balconies, front doors and gardens.

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Outdoors play

Several children’s foundations have called upon children to play outside between 1000 and 1100. In honor of King’s Day, playgrounds will open, the national scout organization of the Netherlands will organize activities, and the ‘Orange’ societies will offer activities that people can do from home. The (local) Treebeek Orange society, for instance, is hosting a virtual look-a-like meeting, where children can dress up as a member of the royal family. Another local foundation calls for families to decorate their houses and front yards.

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The National Toast 

A party is best celebrated with a toast. On King’s Day, the people of the Netherlands watch the National Toast, which is broadcasted at 4:30 p.m. on the public channel NPO 1. The Dutch traditionally toast with an ‘Oranjebitter:’ a bright orange liquor made of brandy and oranges, first created in 1620 to honor Prince Frederik Hendrik’s victory in several battles. Fortunately, many orange sodas could serve as an alternative, because Oranjebitter has a very high alcohol percentage – up to 30 percent!

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Read up on the history of King’s Day

If you’d like to know more about the history of King’s Day, the Dutch royal house offers a historical overview on www.royal-house.nl.