Koninginnedag in Amsterdam
Netherland’s most popular holiday is Queen’s Day locally known as Koninginnedag. And what better time (or not if you hate crowds) to visit Amsterdam for the first time! Street parties, everyone in a chill party mood and orange all around! Crazy fun that’s for sure! :D
Admittedly, I had no idea what the celebration was for. I just booked a ticket on impulse coz somebody brought to my attention the insanely cheap ticket price going there and I wanted to do some partying! ;)
The country’s monarchy before was unpopular to the public but they loved their princess, Wilhelmina. To gain national unity, it was decided that they’ll celebrate the princess’ birthday. It was then called Prinsessedag and fell on the last day of school making it popular with children. When she ascended the throne, it was renamed Koninginnedag.
When Juliana, Wilhelmina’s daughter, became the queen, they moved the date of celebration to her birthdate, April 30. Juliana’s daughter, Beatrix, married Claus (a German who served the German army during the war) causing anti-German riots during the holiday. In a bid to disrupt these riots, officials decided to open the city of Amsterdam to flea markets that are normally held outside the city so there won’t be space for the protesters, starting a new custom.
When Beatrix succeeded the throne, she retained the celebration on the 30th of April as a tribute to her mother and also because her birthday is on January, too cold for a celebration. The queen makes it a point to visit a different town each year and to honour notable citizens of Netherlands.
Some pictures taken during Koninginnedag 2012:
Amsterdam’s canals and bicycles!
Flea markets abound!
The city turns into one big market where you can buy anything from books to (Rembrandt) paintings!
There are lots of good finds. :)
Sellers are anyone from little tykes to these classy ladies ;)
Aside from turning into one big market, the city is bathed in orange! Netherland’s colours :)
People from all over come to celebrate with the locals :D
There just might be as many boats as there are bikes! Haha
Joining the fun with newly made friends! :D
Cheers from Amsterdam! x
This is my entry for Carnival of Europe hosted by DJ Yabis at Dream Euro Trip. :)
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Kaaliw naman dyan hehe :D I’m glad that you are now exploring some parts of Europe outside the UK. Sana ako din next time hehe
Beautiful pictures and a great time to enjoy Amsterdam’s atmosphere. This is such a contrast to the Amsterdam we visited in a snowy November a few years ago. How cool to see all that orange. Regards from a fellow Pinay =)
Hi!!! I bet it was still nice though all white in Amsterdam ;) I’d love to go back there as the people I met were very nice =)