What we now know as Koningsdag (King’s Day) started back in 1885 to 1890 as Prinsessendag (Princess day), which later changed to Koninginnedag (Queensday) from 1891 till 2013. Reason for this annual event is to celebrate the birthdays of princesses, queens and now King Willem-Alexander who was crowned in 2013 to become the new King to the Netherlands. The tradition continued on April 27th 2014 when it’s the King's birthday that all Dutch people can celebrate by turning the country into a big party!
On that day small villages, larger cities including Amsterdam and the Jordaan canals turn orange, people dress us in this national color and decorate with balloons, ribbons, well you name it also known as oranjegekte. The nationwide vrijmarkt (free market), allows all citizens to sell what they cant use or need anymore, see it as a XXL Vintage market! Small children often bake cookies or perform on their musical instruments to raise money. Overall it’s a very fun day where young, old, locals and visitors celebrate together in good harmony!
Kingsday night (Koningsnacht) has gained since a couple of years popularity and is an extension of the actual Kings Day event where the local bars play loud music or where dj’s spin their records and where the cold beer and wine and all other drinks are served very frequently!
The Jordaan district is for sure the place to be when visiting Amsterdam during King's Day. Several bars to just name a few host it very well; Cafe de Blaffende Vis who in our opinion wins the award when it comes to decorating their whole building every year with a different theme but always includes a huge image or fun scene with King Willem-Alexander and/or Queen Maxima and Princess Amalia. Go check it out this King's Day 2022 especially after the strict COVID regulations when Holland including The Jordaan neighborhood is SO ready to party again this Kingsday!
Hope to see you around wearing your orange THE JORDAAN King's Day sweatshirt or hoodie!
Willemijn Beekman is wearing the classic sweatshirt in orange - shop here
Insta: @willemijnbeekmanphotography
The classic hoodie in orange - you shop here
https://blaffendevis.nl
@cafedeblaffendevis
Westerstraat 118, Amsterdam
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Img: Cafe de Blaffende/ De stentor
Img: Momondo