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- Every April 30
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Queen’s Day lights up the Netherlands every April 30, a vibrant celebration honoring Queen Juliana’s birthday and coronation anniversary. This festive occasion sees cities transform into seas of orange, with street parties and flea markets. Join the fun by wearing orange, exploring local traditions, and embracing the joyous Dutch spirit.
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Expected Queen's Day Deals
While Queen’s Day is less about traditional retail deals and more about spontaneous street markets, many local businesses and vendors offer unique orange-themed goods and treats. Expect bakeries to feature special orange pastries, cafes to serve orange-colored drinks, and souvenir shops to stock up on royal memorabilia. Look for independent sellers at flea markets offering vintage finds and handcrafted items. Larger Dutch retailers like HEMA and Albert Heijn often have special promotions on party supplies and snacks leading up to the day. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for Queen's Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #QueensDay. Share your best orange outfits, street party photos, and delicious Dutch treats.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #QueensDay. Share memories of past celebrations or organize a virtual orange-themed gathering.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #QueensDay. Film your Queen’s Day preparations, street market finds, or festive dance moves.
Queen's Day Hero
Queen Juliana
History of Queen's Day
Queen’s Day, known as ‘Koninginnedag,’ is celebrated with great fervor in Amsterdam through a night and day carnival-like event at the end of April. The celebrations are so grand that it looks like the whole city is one giant party. Shops, individuals, and tourists join in the festivities.
It’s a great tourist event too! Queen’s Day attracts about 700,000 visitors each year. This is great for business and radiates an upbeat atmosphere. Despite overcrowding, everyone is normally relaxed and joyful on this special day. Queen’s Day has been celebrated across the country for over 50 years. However, the celebrations in Amsterdam are the grandest and most joyful.
At the end of January 2013, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the longest-reigning Dutch monarch, announced she would abdicate after a successful 33-year reign. She was succeeded by her oldest son, Willem-Alexander, who became the King of the Netherlands. The last Queen’s Day took place on April 30, 2013, and the first King’s Day was observed on April 26, 2014. Today, along with Queen’s Day, the Netherlands also celebrates King’s Day on April 26. During these national holidays, people make a special effort to wear orange clothing or face paint. Accessories that combine the orange color with some symbols of the royal family are exceedingly popular too.
Queen's Day timeline
The monarchy is founded after the French are driven out of the country.
The Dutch independent monarchy begins.
Queen Juliana passes away on March 20 after serving as monarch for 33 years.
Willem-Alexander becomes king.
Queen's Day FAQs
When is Queen's Day?
Queen’s Day 2027 will be observed on Friday, April 30. This annual celebration invites everyone to partake in the unique Dutch tradition of street markets, music, and vibrant national pride.
Why is Queen's Day celebrated on April 30?
The fixed date of April 30 for Queen’s Day is a tribute to Queen Juliana’s legacy. It was originally moved to her birthday in 1949, and this became a cherished tradition that her successors chose to uphold, making it a consistent day of national celebration.
How is Queen's Day different from King's Day?
While Queen’s Day honored a female monarch on April 30, King’s Day, which replaced it, celebrates the reigning male monarch on April 27. Both holidays share similar festive traditions, including wearing orange, street parties, and flea markets, but the name and date reflect the gender of the sovereign.
What are the main traditions of Queen's Day?
Key traditions for Queen’s Day revolve around public celebration and community spirit. Expect to see widespread orange decorations, impromptu street performances, and children’s games. Many people also enjoy traditional Dutch treats and drinks, making it a joyous national party.
Queen's Day Activities
Wear something orange
Celebrate Queen’s Day by wearing an orange outfit. You can even go a step further and dye your hair orange! If orange isn’t a color you like very much, stick to a small orange accessory, like a scarf or tie.
Drink ‘oranjebitter’
The traditional drink of Queen’s Day is ‘oranjebitter.’ Celebrate the day by making yourself this drink with bitter orange peels soaked in strong alcohol, such as gin.
Eat orange-flavored food
Orange-flavored foods are a big hit on Queen’s Day. Have your fill of orange-flavored foods — lozenges, cakes, biscuits, and more!
5 Facts About The Netherlands That You Didn’t Know
Dutch men are the tallest worldwide
Their average height is six feet.
It’s the world’s biggest flower exporter
The Netherlands makes up over 40% of flower exports.
Bridges are the pride of Amsterdam
The city has more than 1,200 bridges.
The first country to legalize same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2001.
The Dutch love licorice
The Dutch consume about 70 million pounds of it each year.
Why We Love Queen's Day
It’s a big party
Almost everyone in the Netherlands celebrates Queen’s Day. Because it’s marked by grand festivities in Amsterdam, Queen’s Day feels like a big party everyone is invited to.
It’s a public holiday
Queen’s Day is also a public holiday in the Netherlands. While not all schools or businesses close for the day, people are in jovial moods and ready to live it up.
It celebrates the beloved monarchs
Queen’s Day is also a celebration of the beloved Dutch monarchs. This is the day for the public to honor the royal family and their many contributions to the country.
Social Media Tips for Queen's Day
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