Upon the birthday of one of the country’s kings the Netherland explodes into a burst of orange filling its streets with people, joyous celebrations and festivities as the country is united to celebrate the King s Day ( Koningsdag) of the king Willem-Alexander. Although the whole country takes part in the celebrations, Rotterdam makes a personal touch to the event so that it is one of the liveliest and more contemporary cities to witness this typical Dutch holiday. In case you are visiting Rotterdam on the king’s day, then this is what you should know: music, markets, orange obsession and a street party that engulfs the entire city.
The City Goes Orange
To begin with, orange is an obligation. It is the national color of the Netherlands and the reference to the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch Royal Family. King Day is an event that causes people all around, locals and tourists alike, to dress up completely in orange attire. Rotterdam is no exception and to see so many people in orange clothing, covering the streets, as well as the visiting squares, makes for a fun and coherent experience. Orange clothes make you feel like a part of the celebration, whether you are a visitor or local.
Free Markets (Vrijmarkt)
In the Netherlands, the National tradition of King s Day is the Vrijmarkt or free market, when individuals of all ages sell second-hand items, by bringing temporary stalls to the street. Rotterdam has streets which turn into flea markets. Kids will sell their outgrown toys, books and clothes, and adults will sell antique collectibles, hand-crafted items and yummy homemade cookies. It is an excellent means of meeting and socializing with the residents, getting a deal and absorbing the communal nature of the city. Vroesenpark or Museumpark is one of the finest places to get a feel of this where families and students picnic in a relaxed state and browse casually.
Street Parties and Music
Rotterdam also has an edge in terms of the music scene and what better way to showcase this in King s Day. Fake and real music can be heard in the city early in the mornings and late at night and including DJs playing on the streets and pop-up stages. There are also mini festivals and block parties that are held in different neighborhoods with an assortment of genres, such as EDM, hip-hop, jazz, and house music. The musical industry enjoys hot spots such as Eendrachtsplein, Witte de Withstraat, and Boomgaardsstraat or to be precise, these places are filled by people who come to dance, drink, and watch the various live entertainment.
Family-Friendly Vibes
Although King Day is considered a raving party, Rotterdam still offers diversity to the whole families and kids. Other areas that have kid friendly activities besides the vrijmarkt include most parks and neighbourhoods with games, face painting, puppet shows and music performances to be played. Kralingse Bos is also a very family friendly part of town on King day, there is a lot of open green space and low key festivities to feel more relaxed.
Public Transport and Tips School
Schools, universities, and workplaces are closed, as bus services in the city operate on a shorter schedule and traffic on certain streets is prohibited. The center of the city is best approached by either walking, riding a bicycle, or taking the public transport. There will be a lot of people, there will be a few delays, but there are also going to be very friendly people and a very safe environment. And the last but most important one– come with a cash (not all vendors accept cards), wear comfortable shoes (you will spend a lot of time walking), and hydrate!
King Day in Rotterdam is an annual event that brings the Dutch culture together with the modern and innovative nature of this city. Its colorful music life, bustling markets, family-orientated activities and a whole city dressed in orange make the city spectacular in its own way. Be it the dancing in the streets, the shopping in a market stall, or just an act of indulging in the lake of orange glory, King Day in Rotterdam is an indelible memory. Sooo add it to your calendar and put on your fancy clothes and get ready to have a royal time!
