What is Koningsdag?
Koningsdag, also known as King’s Day, is a national holiday in the Netherlands celebrated annually on 27 April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This celebration, widely recognised as one of the biggest parties in the Netherlands, is a day for the Dutch people to express their national pride and honour their monarch. Historically, this holiday was known as Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day), observed on 30 April to commemorate the birthdays of previous queens.
Celebrations and Traditions
On Koningsdag, the streets of Dutch cities and towns are filled with vibrant festivities. The day is characterised by vrijmarkt (free markets) where people sell their second-hand goods, transforming the entire country into a massive outdoor flea market. People of all ages dress in orange, the national colour, creating a sea of Oranjegekte (orange madness). There are concerts, street parties, and a variety of traditional local gatherings. Amsterdam, in particular, becomes a hub of activity with over a million visitors flooding the city to partake in the celebrations.
Popularity of the Royal Family
The Dutch royal family holds a special place in the hearts of the Dutch people, and Koningsdag is a testament to their popularity. The House of Orange-Nassau, to which King Willem-Alexander belongs, is deeply revered for its historical significance and ongoing contributions to Dutch society. On Koningsdag, the royal family often visits different cities to join in the festivities, further strengthening the bond between the monarchy and the citizens.
Tompouce: The Sweet Treat of Koningsdag
A quintessential part of Koningsdag celebrations is the Tompouce, a traditional Dutch pastry. This delightful treat consists of two layers of crispy puff pastry filled with a rich, custard-like pastry cream and topped with a layer of sweet icing. On King’s Day, the Tompouce often features orange icing in honour of the House of Orange-Nassau. Enjoying this delicious pastry is a cherished tradition that adds a sweet touch to the day’s festivities.
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