On the occasion of the National Holiday of the Netherlands, called King’s Day, which falls on Thursday, Việt Nam News presents an article by the Embassy of the Netherlands in HàNội.

Orange tradition

Every year on the 27th of April, the Netherlands celebrates its national holiday, called King’s Day, in honour of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.

Until the crowning of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, the holiday was known as Queen’s Day and was celebrated on the 30th of April.

Festive spirit: The Royal Family of the Netherlands. — Photo courtesy of the embassy of the Netherlands

King’s Day is known for its free markets, nationwide festivities and the opportunity for ‘orange madness’: a kind of frenzy named after the national colour. Those taking part in King’s Day celebrations commonly wear orange clothing or even dye their hair orange in honour of the House of Orange-Nassau, the Royal family of the Netherlands. Orange food and drinks are also popular.

The ‘free markets’ are flea markets throughout the country, where one in five Dutch citizens sell their second-hand goods for bargain prices, or try to earn some money with innovative ideas and games. Trade and innovation are a big part of the Dutch culture and mind-set.

Joining in: The Royal Family of the Netherlands celebrates King’s Day. — Photo courtesy of the embassy of the Netherlands

Next to the markets, many concerts and special events are organized in public places. A free outdoor concert is held on Amsterdam’s Museumplein, where as many as 800,000 people gather. World famous DJs like Hardwell (who, by the way, will be in Hà Nội on May 20), Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Tiësto will play there.

Many young people celebrate during these concerts or on the streets and squares (and in Amsterdam, the canals as well) on King’s Day Eve and the birthday itself.

Sea of colour: People celebrate King’s Day in Amsterdam. King’s Day is known for its free markets, festivities and ‘orange madness’: a kind of frenzy named after the national colour. — Photo courtesy of the embassy of the Netherlands

The Royal family visits a different city every year, where they participate in local events, concerts and activities. This visit will be on national television. All the Dutch Embassies, including the one in Việt Nam, organise a King’s Day reception where most people will wear (a touch of) orange.

Relations between the Netherlands and Việt Nam have been growing steadily, especially in the fields of climate change adaptation and water management, sustainable agriculture, innovative energy, maritime industry, and logistics.

The Dutch Embassy in Việt Nam takes this national day as an opportunity to show appreciation towards local partners, with whom it has formed strong ties both in political and economic terms. Focus of the relations is building a ‘green’ future together. — VNS