Koningsdag

Every 27th of April, since William Alexandre is the Dutch King, it take place koningsdag (King's Day). It is the national festivity of The Netherlands and the it is celebrated on the birthday of the king. It started with the Queen Wilhelmina in 1885. It has been always celebrated on the birth day of the monarch, except during the reign of Queen Beatrix, who keep the birth day of her mother. When the monarch was a Queen the festivity was called Koninginnedag (Queen's day).

In this day almost everyone wear something orange, which is the colour of the royal family (House Oranje). The exception for this are the people supporting a Republic inseat of a Monarchy. They wear white clothes. 

It is fairy common the vrijmarkt (stand market), where peple sell second-hand objects. This is not only common among adults. A lot of kids sell hand-made necklace etc, as well as old objects.

As a foreign living in Leiden, i decided to go to Amsterdam, where the biggest celebrations was supposed to be. Although here in Leiden Armin van Buuren, who was born in Leiden, was giving a concert.

In Amsterdam there were a lot more people in the streets than in Leiden. In several streets DJ's and stages were setted up, so there was music almost everywhere. Besides, food stands stood every step.

I was expecting some kind of steet shows, parades or something but it was only music, food, drink and weed. That was why it reminds me to the typical villages festivities, although even in these there is cultural activities.

For all those who enjoy big parties, then, this is your day. Music start in the morning and stops at 20:00. You can drink, eat and dance all you can. Remember to take care and do not overpass the limits, there are hundreds of policemen looking after attendants. Actually, during the time I was in Amsterdam, they take two people to their van. So please, be careful.