Koninginnedag Queens Day Overview
Queen’s Day, which is also called Koninginnedag, is an annual public holiday which is observed on the 30th of April each year in Netherlands. It is celebrated as Queen’s birthday. There is one big misunderstanding about this day; it is that people think that it is the present Queen’s birthday, but it is not. It is actually a commemorate to former Queen Julian’s Birthday. On the Queen’s day eve, people from all around Netherland gather in pubs, open spaces and night clubs of Amsterdam to celebrate the Queen’s day. On the actual day, the present Queen visits one or two towns where children greet her with Dutch dances, crafts and songs.
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History of Koninginnedag, Queen's Day
Previously the annual tribute was given to Queen-Regent Emma and when she died in 1934, Wilhelmina’s daughter Princess Juliana took over the crown and started living in Soestdijk Palace after her marriage. This was the time when she was given a floral presentation by townsfolk by moving the date of actual celebration to Juliana’s birthday i.e. 30th of April. In September 1948, Queen Juliana ascended the throne and this is why Koninginnedag was also moved to the 30th of April. Since then both of these ceremonies are celebrated on the same day.
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Importance of Koninginnedag, Queen’s Day
The Koninginnedag or Queen’s Day has huge importance for Dutch people as on this day, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was born. This day is celebrated to cement the ties that the Royal family shares with Dutch people.
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Things to Do on Koninginnedag, Queen’s Day
There are plenty of things that one can do on Koninginnedag, Queen’s Day. On Queen's Day eve, people usually visit pubs, clubs and open air parties while on the actual day, the Queen visits one or two towns where people greet her in different styles while rest of the Netherlands goes wild as people attend concerts and special events in open squares. On the Queen's Day, all Dutch nationals have the opportunity to sell anything on the streets without paying any taxes or fees.
