I decided to go to the biggest party of the year in Amsterdam.
It was the most fun I have had maybe EVER! What a great weekend, and thanks to Gareth and Dragan for hosting me.
We wandered the Vondel Park first to check out what the kids were doing - busking, selling stuff, selling services and other cute kids things.
Then we boozed our way to the Jordaan area to watch the party unfold. We ate crap but it didn't matter, we were hammered!
Eventually hitting a club and dancing all night long.
Here are the results! See these photos.
Some background:
In the spirit of the day, you’ll find most people wear something orange, while others are decked head to foot in orange. Don’t have any orange in your closet? Not to worry, hats, t-shirts, make up, and most things imaginable will be for sale on many corners.
Officially - Koninginedag in Dutch, is the national celebration of the Queen’s birthday. Originally celebrated in September, the holiday began in honor of Queen Wilhelmina and was moved to April 30th when her daughter, Juliana, ascended to the throne. The current ruling Monarch, Queen Beatrix, declared in 1986 that Queensday would remain on April 30th in honor of her mother (and probably because Beatrix’s birthday is in January when it’s too cold for an outdoor festival).
On the day of Queensday, cars and trams are banned within the entire canal belt of the city. Locals begin spreading their goods on the sidewalks, bridges, and curbs around 7:00 in the morning, and the streets begin filling with people between 8:00 and 10:00. Between 10:00 and 20:00, most of the city is a sea of people shopping, drinking, dancing, and just wandering around to gawk at the spectacle. Every street, canal and square in the city can surprise, amuse, delight, and occasionally shock you with its street activities.
General Rating: *****
Repeat Visit: *****