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Amsterdam information : Nightlife
Queen's day Amsterdam 31 April every year
Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day i the biggest day of the year for the Dutch and you can find out all about what it is and what it means on our special feature If you do happen to be in Amsterdam on this day, be prepared for the biggest party of your life.
Every street and canal in the city turns into a sea of orange as Amsterdammers and visitors assemble in their thousands to celebrate the Birthday of the Netherlands Monarch Queen Beatrix. However, April 30th is not actually the birthday of Queen Beatrix.The holiday is celebrated on this date because it was the birthday of previous monarch Queen Juliana. When Beatrix succeeded Juliana on 30 April1980, she decided to keep the holiday on April 30, as the weather on her own birthday, January 31st, tended to prohibit the traditional outdoor festivities. Prior to 1949 the holiday was celebrated on August 31, the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina. As mentioned, the city and all other cities in Holland turn into a sea of orange as it represents the House of Orange, which is the name of the current Dutch dynasty.
The party continues on the Wednesday (April 30th) as almost every street and byway in the city centre is thronged with mass crowd of orange-clad revelers. Be warned, a normal 10-minute walking trip could be trebled in time as a result of the huge crowds. For many people it is a 24 hour celebration and a lot of bars will stay open non-stop throughout Queen’s Day and Queen’s Night. Consequently, it could become a little irritating and messy as Monday draws to a close. Afterall, there is only so much alcohol and partying the body can take. Queen’s Day is also the one day of the year when locals are allowed to set up stalls and trade their goods outside their front doors and this can be a real treat for lovers of Bring-And-Buy sales and flea markets. Summing up, it is an unforgettable experience and one which is thoroughly enjoyable. And please take our word for it - If you are not wearing something orange, you most definitely will look out of place.
