Queensday

 

Roaming around the streets that resemble a giant jumble sale, enjoying outdoor performances and old-Dutch games for the children, such as sidewalk drawing and sack races: on Monday 30 April the whole country celebrates the Queen’s birthday. Many cities and towns conclude the day with splendid fireworks displays.

Flea Markets
Throughout the country, one half of the Dutch sells its previously loved goods to the other half of the nation at unregulated flea markets. If you get there early, great bargains are to be had. Almost all towns have areas set aside for this popular type of jumble sale. The nation’s favorite – and largest - is in Amsterdam. Regular stores are also allowed to open on 30 April, but many shopkeepers prefer to celebrate!

Koninginnenach
The Hague is the place to be on the eve of the Queen’s Birthday celebrations. Downtown The Hague celebrates KoninginneNach full on, with performances by both well-known bands and by emerging musical talent. A fun fair is situated around Hofvijver. Amsterdam also parties the night away, until dawn breaks on 30 April.

Royal Visitors
Each year, the Queen selects two towns in Holland which she visits, accompanied by her extended family.

London joins the celebration
It is not only the Netherlands that colours orange on the 30th of April. For three years in a row London has been celebrating the Dutch Queen' s Birthday on the South Bank with dutch music, food and activities.