Netherlands: Queen’s Day, Amsterdam
Every year on April 30 a strange phenomenon takes hold of the Dutch people.
Souce: Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board
The symptoms of Oranjegekte (Orange craze) or Oranjekoorts (Orange fever) are the wearing orange clothing, caps and scarves, dying hair orange and decorating of houses and entire streets with orange, orange and more orange while letting their hair down for a day of pure mad fun!
The people of the Netherlands pull out all the stops as they throw a party of epic proportions to celebrate the official birthday of their much loved monarch Queen Beatrix.
The festivities begin on April 29 with Queen’s Night Koninginnenacht and go through until the evening of the next day Queen’s Day Koninginnedag.
Souce: Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board
It’s a day of live music, beer tents and street parties – kind of like Oktoberfest crossed with a massive street carnival – as Amsterdam’s famous canals fill with boats, and the streets are lined with people.
The main stages for entertainment in some of the city’s main squares Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt and Museumplein, but parties and music can be found throughout the city. All the clubs in Amsterdam organise special events and some of the best are outside and free for everyone.
Aside from the party, the whole country holds a 24-hour free market vrijmarkt where anyone can sell anything they like without a permit or paying tax. It’s the perfect chance to pick up knickknacks and the required orange outfit so you can party with the locals in style until the wee small hours.
If an all-day party in one of the world’s most exciting cities sounds like you, why not go with Topdeck?
Source: Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board
We arrive in town the day before the festivities and kick things off with a walking tour which includes the infamous Red Light District.
You won’t miss out on any of the Queen’s Day action as we’re staying right in the heart of Amsterdam!
If you’re after a change of pace there are plenty of slightly more cultured activities on offer from Anne Frank House to the Van Gogh Museum (remember to book your tickets in advance!) or you could always chill out in one of the city’s many coffee shops.
Before leaving, we’ll take you on a visit to a traditional Dutch farm where you can see how cheese and clogs are made.
With 24 hour celebrations and a vibrant atmosphere Queen’s Day is definitely a memorable time to visit Amsterdam!
QUEEN’S DAY FACTS
- Orange is the colour of the day as the Queen’s royal line goes back to William of Orange.
- Queen Beatrix’s real birthday is January 31 (It’s too cold at that time for outdoor celebrations.)
- April 30 was the birthday of Beatrix’s mother and predecessor, Juliana.
- About 800.000 people come to Amsterdam for Queen’s Day
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