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| King Willem Alexanderthe |
Queen’s Day, on April 30, is the Dutch monarch's official birthday (it was the actual birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana, but when Bea ascended the date was kept the same).
However, Beatrix officially handed over the throne to her son Willem-Alexander last year, so the event is now known as King's Day. The king's birthday is April 27, but because celebrations do not traditionally take place on a Sunday, the festivities in the Netherlands will this year happen on Saturday April 26.
The day is celebrated with street parties all over the country, for example most cafes and many restaurants will set up on the pavement outside their doors. It is also celebrated with something quintessentially Dutch - a nationwide flea market.
People empty their attics and set up stalls on the street, selling anything you can imagine. Or they provide services (cakes and drinks, massage, make-up - anything they can turn their hand to). Children especially put on side-shows or have a go at busking.
Prices are low, and some people donate their earnings to a favourite charity. More recently, however, things have become increasingly commercial with real traders and fast-food vendors joining in.
Read more: Amsterdam: how to celebrate King's Day - Telegraph
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