By Ashley Young
Dutch King Willem-Alexander(pictured), has urged all people in the Netherlands to stay at home and observe the national lockdown today, instead of flocking onto the streets in the customary way for the annual celebration of Kingsday.
King’s Day is when the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their king, King Willem Alexander, who was born on 27 April and so there are many parties, flea markets and, of course, the king himself visits one or several cities with his family.
“This promises to be a unique Kingsday, and mainly because I hope it will be the last
Kingsday normally attracts millions of people to festivities in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands. The day is often characterised by its sprawling street markets and massive concerts. In Dutch, all public events have been cancelled until Sept. 1 in its strong efforts to prevent a resurgence of coronavirus infections in the country.
“Sad, but inevitable,” the king said of the decision to scrap all public festivities for his 53rd birthday.
“I can understand very well that many people had hoped to be able to have more freedom to move by now, but the coronavirus cannot be told what to do. We have to keep at it, also after today.” The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the Netherlands had risen to 37,845, with 4,475 deaths. Kingsday was kicked off by the Royal Concertgebouw orchestra, which pieced together solo at-home performances by its members into a special rendition of the national anthem, inviting all people in the Netherlands to join in from their balconies and gardens.
Revellers party at 2019 Kingsday Image: holland.com
However, house parties are permitted in the Netherlands where people can tune in to the traditional Kingsday music festivals, which have been transformed into online versions featuring special shows by international Dutch music stars such as DJs Martin Garrix and Tiesto. The street markets, in which the Dutch usually try to earn a few euros by cleaning out their attics or showcasing their musical talents.
On King’s Day, people in the Netherlands are allowed to sell things on the street without requiring a permit. Flea (‘free’) markets are held in parks and streets, with many people offering their unwanted possessions, music or other entertainment for sale. In Utrecht, the flea markets even start the night before King’s Day.