The streets and canals of the Netherlands were awash in a sea of orange on Saturday as people gathered to mark King’s Day, celebrating in style with everything from tuxedos to feather boas. The iconic day, which honors King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, brought the country together in a jubilant display of national pride and unity.
In Amsterdam, the canals were packed with boats filled to the brim with revelers. The party vibes spread beyond the water, with people everywhere dressed head-to-toe in orange, some even dyeing their pets for the occasion. In one Amsterdam park, a dog named Lucy proudly showed off her new orange-colored fur, drawing smiles from the crowd.
“It’s a day when everyone comes together,” said 22-year-old Dicky van Warmerdam. “No matter where you’re from, everyone’s accepted. Just look around—it’s one big party, and who wouldn’t want that?”
King Willem-Alexander, who turns 58 on Sunday, marked the day with his royal family in the eastern town of Doetinchem, though they started their official walkabout later than planned to avoid overlapping with Pope Francis’s funeral in the Vatican. The king took a moment to honor the late pontiff in a heartfelt video message, acknowledging the inspiration he provided to many, regardless of faith.
While the king’s actual birthday is Sunday, King’s Day celebrations kicked off early. Friday night saw bustling street markets in Utrecht and parties in towns across the country, setting the stage for Saturday’s festivities. By the afternoon, Amsterdam’s canals were so packed with boats that the water itself was barely visible beneath the crowds and the orange haze from flare smoke.
Amsterdam’s municipality issued a warning on social media, urging people to avoid the already overcrowded areas and celebrate King’s Day in other parts of the city or country. Similar overcrowding reports came from other towns.
In Vondel Park, the city’s famous green space, kids laid out blankets to sell old toys, books, and clothes in the many “free markets” that pop up for the day. The spirit of community was alive everywhere.
And it wasn’t just the Dutch who were caught up in the celebration. Lorenzo Soldi, a 23-year-old from Italy, summed up the day’s vibe: “It’s all about togetherness, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people.”
