In the Netherlands, a sea of orange enveloped the nation as people celebrated King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. Parties and festivities filled the streets, with people wearing a variety of orange outfits, from tuxedos to feathered accessories. In Amsterdam, boats teeming with party-goers crowded the city’s canals in honor of the occasion.
Even pets joined in the fun; in an Amsterdam park, a dog named Lucy displayed orange-dyed fur. “I love it,” 22-year-old Dicky van Warmerdam shared. “It’s a day where everyone just comes together to celebrate, regardless of where you’re from. It’s a giant party, and who wouldn’t want that?”
The royal family’s official walkabout, featuring King Willem-Alexander, took place in the eastern town of Doetinchem an hour later than scheduled to avoid conflicting with the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican. In his message, King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the day, noting that it has “two faces” due to the pope’s passing, and he honored Pope Francis as a source of inspiration for many.
Although King’s Day was officially celebrated on Saturday, the king’s 58th birthday falls on Sunday. The festivities kicked off early with street markets in Utrecht and parties around the country on Friday night.
By Saturday afternoon, the canals in the Dutch capital were packed, with revelers and orange flares casting a haze that nearly obscured the water. Authorities took to social media, advising that sections of Amsterdam were overcrowded and encouraging people to celebrate elsewhere. Reports of overcrowding came from other cities as well.
In Amsterdam’s Vondel Park, children participated in “free markets,” setting up blankets from which they sold used toys, clothes, and books. These spontaneous markets blossomed throughout sidewalks and parks.
The celebrations extended to visitors from other lands. Lorenzo Soldi, 23, from Italy, reflected, “It is a great moment for togetherness, to be with friends, and to make new connections.”