What Is the Most Famous Day in the Netherlands?

Koningsdag (King's Day), celebrated annually on April 27, is the Netherlands' most iconic national holiday. It marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander (born 1967). Until 2013, it was Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) on April 30, celebrating his mother Beatrix's birthday (and historically, her mother Juliana's).

The country turns orange—the national color, honoring the House of Orange-Nassau. Amsterdam's canals fill with boats for a massive floating festival; cities host vrijmarkten (free markets) where anyone can sell goods tax-free; streets become stages for music, parties, and revelry. It is a day of national unity, commerce, and exuberant celebration, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Amsterdam alone.