Koningsdag, formerly known as Koninginnedag, is celebrated on April 27 every year. Since the late 1880s, the festival has been observed in honor of succeeding female queens. Following the coronation of Willem-Alexander in 2013, the first Dutch king since 1890, and the queen’s abdication in 2013, 2014 was the first year to commemorate the iconic national festival of Koningsdag. Koningsdag commemorates King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. To honor the royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau, everything is painted orange on this day.

History of Koningsdag

This day marks the birthdate of Willem Alexander, who succeeded Queen Beatrix as ruler of the Netherlands on April 30, 2013. On April 27, 1967, Willem Alexander was born in Utrecht, Netherlands. To bring the Netherlands together, the tradition of having a national holiday in honor of the reigning queen began in 1890. To honor Princess Wilhelmina, who was four years old at the time, the first Prinsessedag, or Princess’ Day, was celebrated on August 31.Since 1949, April 30 has been observed as Queen Juliana of Wilhelmina’s birthday. The custom of changing the holiday to fall on the birthday of the reigning queen was discontinued when Queen Beatrix replaced Juliana in 1980. Following her mother Juliana’s abdication on April 30, 1980, Queen Beatrix decided to keep April 30 as a tribute to her. Because Beatrix’s actual birthday occurred on January 31, it was sensible to avoid having her participate in customary outdoor festivities on that day. Every year for the Koninginnedag celebrations, Beatrix would travel to two towns rather than remaining at the palace and inviting the Dutch people to her.On April 30, 2013, Queen’s Day, Willem-Alexander succeeded his mother Beatrix as monarch. As a result, the holiday’s name was changed in 2014 from Queen’s Day to King’s Day. Additionally, the date has been changed from April 30 to Willem’s birthday, April 27.

Koningsdag timeline

1885
The Princess's Day

Prinsessedag or Princess's Day is first celebrated in the Netherlands on 31 August, Wilhelmina's fifth birthday.

1967
The Birth of King Willem

Willem Alexander is born on April 27.

2013
Alexander's Ascension to the Throne

Alexander succeeds his mother Queen Beatrix.

2014
Holiday Name Change

The name of the holiday changes from Queen's Day to King's Day or Koningsdag.

Koningsdag FAQs

What does the term the Netherlands imply?

A low-lying area.

Is the Netherlands hospitable to live in?

The Netherlands is the finest and safest country to live for ex-pat families, according to the World Economic Forum.

What is the nominal capital of the Netherlands?

Amsterdam.

Koningsdag Activities

  1. Visit the town fairs

    Most towns and cities have fairground attractions and music events planned, with many of them beginning on April 26. You can go to the fairs by yourself or with company.

  2. Attend the Amsterdam Kingsland festival

    Attend the Kingsland Festival in Amsterdam, which will feature some of the best Dutch and international D.J.s. Purchase your tickets in advance, as these events frequently sell out.

  3. Visit a small town

    The crowds in major cities can be excruciating. To avoid this, plan ahead of time to visit a small town. Every town has a variety of festivities, so this is a terrific way to enjoy the coziness of King's Day.

5 Interesting Facts About The Netherlands

  1. A large number of bicycles

    The Dutch have more bicycles than anyone else on the planet.

  2. 1,200 bridges

    There are around 1,200 bridges in Amsterdam.

  3. First male monarch in over 123 years

    King Willem-Alexander is the first male monarch in over 123 years.

  4. Flea markets dominate

    In the Netherlands, Koningsdag is dominated by flea markets.

  5. Getting wasted is a popular activity

    One of the most popular activities on this day is drinking beer and passing out.

Why We Love Koningsdag

  1. The Netherlands is a hospitable country

    The Netherlands is a safe and friendly place to visit. The Netherlands welcomes visitors with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Things might get a little daunting when you're in a new city. Knowing you're in a safe, friendly environment, on the other hand, can help you relax.

  2. It is part of Netherlands history

    Koningsdag is a significant date in the history of the Netherlands. It was first observed in 1885 and it depicts the evolution of monarchical rule in the country.

  3. It promotes patriotism

    It fosters patriotism and unity while honoring the monarchy. It began as a means for the Dutch government to foster national cohesion. It's a patriotic event in which millions of people take part.

Koningsdag dates

Year Date Day
2023 April 27 Thursday
2024 April 27 Saturday
2025 April 27 Sunday
2026 April 27 Monday
2027 April 27 Tuesday