April 30, 2010

Queen’s Birthday is celebrated in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands Queen’s birthday fall on 30 April or on 29th April, if the 30th is a Sunday and is a national holiday in Netherlands Antilles, Netherlands and Aruba. The day is considered as a symbol of national unity. It is also aimed at bringing about a feeling of togetherness.

Queen’s Birthday History

It started on the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina i.e., on 31 August 1885. She later became the Queen. It also happened to be the last day of vacation because of which it was very popular with children. After Queen Juliana ascended the throne it has been her birthday 30 April which has been celebrated as Queen’s Day.

Many citizens would congratulate her and present her with flowers or gifts while she stood on a dais. There was also a parade which has been broadcast right from the 1950s. Though the current Queen of Netherlands, Queen Beatrix’s birthday falls on 31 January, officially she celebrates it on 30 April as a tribute to her mother. Also Queen Beatrix’s birthday falls on January 31, which is not a very great time for outdoor festivities.

But Queen Beatrix, unlike her mother decided it would be better to go to the country and meet people rather than receive them at her residence. The Queen and her family visit two or three places. They are shown different traditional dances and old crafts of their country. In recent years she has visited places like Apeldoom, Makkum, Franeker  and a lot of other places. A lot of activities take place on that day like concerts, games for children and solo music performances. In some cities even the eve of the Queen’s Day is celebrated, known as Queen’s Night.

Queen’s Birthday Traditions and Activities

As the Dutch royal family is known as the ‘House of Orange’, a festival called ‘oranjegekte’ meaning ‘orange craze’ is organized where everyone wears orange clothes. There are banners, food and drink- everything orange in colour. Another event which takes place is the ‘free market’ which starts at about six in the morning. People set up stalls on the road, in parks or even the sidewalks to sell old clothes, crafts, electronics and other stuff.

Cars are banned in some streets on this day and even public transportation as the streets are full of people. Children sell their old toys and clothes while others sell beverages, food or just about anything. Usually the prices are kept very low and all the unsold items are left on the street. Also people do not have to pay taxes for the goods sold. But there are some places like Jordaan where people have a sale where prices are very low just to meet other people and have a chat with them.

You can also see a variety of street performers everywhere in the city. In recent years open air concerts and other events have been held in public places such as Dam square and Museumplein attracting 500,000 to 800,000 visitors. To experience this holiday a lot of Dutch living abroad come home.

A Celebration of Women

wishes Netherlands Queen

a Wonderful Birthday…

Celebrate!