Kingsday in Amsterdam, what is it and why is it such a big party?
Blog | Posted on 17 January 2025

All 12 provinces turn Orange and celebrate the existence of their kingdom. Eat an orange tompouce and drink your Heineken, because this is a day of celebration. But what is the origin of this nationalistic celebration? Why do we celebrate it? Read all about Kingâs Day in this blog.
What is Kingsday?
Kingâs Day is a bank holiday usually celebrated on 27th of April, a celebration coming directly from the Royal House. If 27 April falls on a Sunday, it will be moved to Saturday. Like this year: Kingâs Day will take place on 26/04/2025. We will celebrate King Willem-Alexanderâs birthday. This has been a tradition ever since we celebrated the first, then called âPrinceâs Dayâ in 1885, to mark the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. On 23 November 1890, Princess Wilhelmina became Queen and the first Queenâs Day was celebrated on 31 August 1891. Under Queen Juliana, this day grew into an official day off, and the occasion grew into a celebration for and by Dutch people, with an emphasis on togetherness.
Why Orange?
Why is the colour of the Netherlands Orange, and not Red-White-Blue? The colour Orange is very deep in the history of our Kingdom. After all, the surname of our royal family is: Van Oranje-Nassau. The term âOrangeâ used to belong mainly to politics. This comes from the 16th-century term: Orangists, supporters of the House of Orange. During World War II, Orange was the colour of resistance against Nazi Germany. Today, Orange symbolises togetherness and commitment throughout the country. If someone needs help, âOrangeâ can help them. Hold on to them through these difficult times.
Sales and activities.
The day before Kingâs Day, the Kingâs Games take place. You might remember this: start the day with a kingâs breakfast and then lol sports. This is an event for primary schools in the Netherlands with a free breakfast. On Kings Day, many people take to the streets to sell their old stuff. This will be named the âvrijmarktâ. Some people offer their goodies, others organise activities for a euro, and some make sandwiches or snacks.
Party & Festival Fest.
So what is there to do on Kingâs Day? The list of celebrations gets longer every year, from festivals such as: âKingsland Festivalâ, âLoveland Burstâ, âOranjebloesemâ and much more to a huge party in every pub you can find. This is all huge fun of course, but the real party is of course the city itself. Watch the city come alive. Not only in Amsterdam does everyone come out to celebrate this spectacle with their fellow Dutchmen. Now if you ask me, âwhat is the best way to celebrate Koningsdag in Amsterdam?â Then my answer is always: a boat party! What could be better than bobbing through the bright orange city with your best mates? Nothing at all! Would you now like to experience this spectacle with you and your friends? Then hire a boat from us or buy tickets to this event, and create memories you will never forget.
Book your private Kingsday boat here!