Today is the day!
As I sit here in the USA, sipping my coffee that somehow tastes less Dutch without stroopwafels on the side, I can’t help but think about today: Koningsdag, or Kingsday. Thirteen years in America, and I still can’t fully shake the longing for this glorious day of orange chaos back in the Netherlands.
For the uninitiated, let me break it down. Kingsday is the day we Dutchies celebrate our monarch’s birthday by turning the entire country into one giant orange mosh pit. Picture this: streets flooded with people dressed head-to-toe in bright, blinding orange. You’d think the Dutch were born inside an orange grove, but nope—it’s just patriotism. Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, you name it; every city transforms into an arena of utter madness. Flea markets sprout up everywhere, music blares from every corner, and strangers kiss like they’ve been long-lost lovers. It’s pure, unbridled joy. Meanwhile, in America, my orange T-shirt is making me look like a lonely traffic cone.
Why orange?
The Dutch wear orange on Kingsday because orange is the color associated with the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau. This connection dates back to William of Orange, a key figure in Dutch history who led the revolt against Spanish rule in the 16th century. The color orange has since become a symbol of national pride and unity, making it the perfect choice for celebrating the king's birthday.
It's like the Netherlands collectively decided, "Let's make orange the happiest color on Earth!" 🧡
Now don’t get me wrong, America knows how to party. July 4th? Fireworks, BBQs, and everyone acting like George Washington personally invited them to his house. It’s fun—but Kingsday is a whole different beast. July 4th has fireworks; Kingsday has spontaneous dance battles in the streets and beer flowing as if the canals themselves are running on Heineken.
Sure, holidays in the USA are intense in their own way. Easter and Christmas may only last a day here, but they’re jam-packed with traditions. And I’ll admit, Americans really know how to go all out with decorations—if there were a world championship for Christmas lights, this country would be undefeated. But the two-day celebrations back home in the Netherlands? That’s double the fun, double the excuses to eat way too much.
Dancing in the streets, or on the water ;-)
And the dancing! Oh, the dancing. In the Netherlands, even the most rhythmically challenged uncles suddenly become experts in interpretive dance once the music starts. I once witnessed a man attempt the cha-cha with a traffic sign—it was a thing of beauty. Try finding that kind of reckless joy in the States. (Spoiler: you won’t.)
What I miss most, though, is the feeling of unity. On Kingsday, everyone’s in it together. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are; if you’re wearing orange, you’re family. And the flea markets! The Dutch love a good bargain. Children sell their old toys, people barter over secondhand treasures, and somewhere, someone is definitely trying to sell you a pancake-shaped hat. It’s capitalism with a side of gezelligheid.
Pinkster
And don’t even get me started on Pinkster (Pentecost). We also celebrate Pinkster for two days. There are festivals all over the country: The most famous one is Pinkpop. It is one of the oldest and longest-running annual music festivals in the world, held in Landgraaf, Netherlands. It typically takes place during the Pentecost weekend (Pinksteren in Dutch, hence the name). Since its inception in 1970, Pinkpop has hosted legendary acts like Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, and Coldplay, attracting up to 80 thousands of music lovers each year.
I imagine explaining this to my American friends and watching their jaws hit the floor. “Two days for Easter?!” they’d gasp. Yes, Two days!!
But today, it’s Kingsday, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of homesickness. I’ll might put on my orange shirt, maybe blast some Dutch music, and dance around my living room like I’m on a canal boat in Amsterdam. Who knows—maybe I’ll kiss a stranger at the grocery store later, just for old times’ sake. Kingsday, after all, isn’t just a holiday; it’s a state of mind. Orange, chaotic, and absolutely beautiful.
Proost to my fellow Dutchies celebrating back home—you lucky, orange-clad party animals. Save a dance and a beer for me. 🎉🍺
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