King's Day 101: how to celebrate the orange spectacle
Wim-Lex's birthday is coming up, and that means only one thing: King's Day is on! This year, he's celebrating his birthday on Saturday, April 26. New to the Netherlands? With our tips, you'll know how to celebrate King's Day in no time—from raising the Dutch flag to eating orange pastries!
What do we celebrate on King's Day?
The name says it all! On April 27, we celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of Orange-Nassau. If April 27 falls on a Sunday, like this year, the whole celebration is moved to the Saturday before, so we can sleep in the day after. We don’t mind at all! This year, you can celebrate King's Night on April 25 and King's Day on April 26!
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King's Day at Kleine Berg © Max Kneefel
Where does the King celebrate his birthday?
Now, the big question remains: where will the birthday boy celebrate? As the boss of the country, he doesn’t have to organize anything himself. Cities across the Netherlands compete for the honor. On April 27 (now April 26), the king, his family, and other members of the royal family visit the city with the best celebration plans. They actively take part in the festivities—whether it’s koekhappen (cookie biting) or zaklopen (sack racing), they go all in, no shame!
This year, the big day takes place in Doetinchem. If you’re a superfan, you can wait for hours to catch a live glimpse of the royal family or follow it all on TV. The event is broadcast live by NOS. And don’t forget to check out our fashion queen Máxima’s outfit—it’s always the talk of the day! Her daughters’ looks are also turning heads!
Let's raise the flag
Regular folks hang up some colorful bunting for their birthdays, but for His Majesty, we all raise the national flag—with an orange pennant! After all, it’s a special occasion. You’re welcome to leave it up all year, but if you’re a proper citizen (and of course you are), you’ll follow the Dutch flag protocol. For royal birthdays, you can bring out the special orange pennant—King’s Day included. While Americans treat their flag as sacred, we just stuff ours into an Albert Heijn bag when we’re not using it.
King's Day in Eindhoven © Nadia ten Wolde
Orange all around
Perhaps the most important or most striking thing about this day is the color orange! The Dutch love orange. Shirts, suits, hats, everything needs to be orange for King's Day. We do this for Wims birthday, but actually for all events where we can be overly nationalistic. Why orange? If you've been paying attention, you read that the king's family name is 'Van Oranje', which translates to Of Orange. The king's ancestor, William van Oranje, founded the Netherlands. And what better way to honor your national history than dressing up in a skimpy orange dress? Is orange not really your color? Then the colors red, white, and blue are also tolerated. Or you could just tell people who call you out on it that you are wearing orange underwear.
Let’s get the party started
Since it is difficult for Willem-Alexander to host a party for over 17.5 million people, we'll do it for him. That’s one of the perks of being a monarch. In Eindhoven alone, there are many parties to go to. The best part is that we start partying on the night before. Because, as a king, you celebrate your birthday for at least two days. Eat that, peasants! We call the night before King’s Day King's Night, very original. Is two days of partying a bit much? Then you can just enjoy beats, beers, and bitterballen during the day.
Royal festivities
Strolling around the flea markets
Is it even King's Day without the flea markets? We don't think so! There are flea markets, called ‘rommelmarkt’ or ‘slingermarkt’ everywhere! The streets will be full of rugs and stalls with 'junk' that still has a few more good years left, such as toys, picture frames, and vintage sandals. You can and may sell everything during the orange markets if you've paid for a spot. With 300 stalls around the Woenselse Markt and the Kruisstraat, this flea market is the largest. You can find more markets in Eindhoven right here.
A tip for buyers: come early and do your research. That way, you'll be able to pick up all the gems. Do you have a box of stuff you no longer need? Rent a stall and sell your stuff! You can spend the proceeds at the market or in the pub. It's up to you ;)
King's Games (Koningsspelen)
King's Day is extra festive for kids in primary schools. Since the accession of King Willem-Alexander, primary schools organise 'Koningsspelen' on the last Friday before King's Day. It's a joyous day that focuses on the importance of a good breakfast and exercise. The day begins with a hearty breakfast, after which the children start the sports part of the day full of energy. On the Koningsspelen website, you can already practice the moves or download the printable placemats. Fun!
Tompoucen & Jumbollen
One tradition that holds a special place in our hearts is the orange HEMA tompouce, or the orange Jumbollen from Jumbo. No party without orange pastries. French fries, bitterballen, and sausage rolls are also on the snack list. Can’t decide what to shove in your face first? We have made you a guide with all the typical Dutch snacks.
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