April 1, 2010
Go Orange for Queens Day
April 30th marks Holland’s beloved holiday Koninginnedag or Queens Day, celebrating the Queen’s birthday. The tradition began on August 31, 1885 with Queen Wilhemina, but it was the current queen, Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Juliana who declared the national holiday to be celebrated on her birthday, April 30.
Every year, the Dutch dress in their finest orange paraphernalia – the royal family colors – to celebrate the queen with song, dance, food, boating down the canals and local vendors. We’ve collected some favorite photos of the event and wonder: do you have your own photos or videos to share?
The canals fill with decorated boats starting Queen's Day Night and carry on through the following day.
Family friendly sites are in no short supply during Queen's Day, especially in the carnival scene.
Boats and people aren't the only ones who are decorated for Koninginnedag
Families enjoy traditional Dutch food in a local park.
Local artist spares no expense dressing up for the beloved holiday.
The streets and parks are open for performers and vendors to decorate the city with their talent.
Even the tulips display the royal family colors with pride.
Photo credits: has_s, FaceMePLS, flabbergast_ed, has_s, has_s, ComunicaTI, Quantz, Radio Nederland Wereldomroep, Michell Zappa
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