On Tuesday, April 27, the Netherlands will be celebrating King’s Day: but very differently than usual. Social distancing rules lockdown and curfew will make the usual open air concerts, parades and street markets impossible. So what will King’s Day look like this year?
First things first: most of us know that King’s Day is called Koningsdag in Dutch, but last year it became punnily known as Woningsdag (house day). While I’m sure many of us would have been happy to see the back of this pun, it looks like this year will be our very own Woningsdag 2.0. Meaning, you guessed it, the majority of activities will be taking place indoors and online yet again.
In accordance with the current coronavirus restrictions, if you’re looking to get blackout drunk (as is tradition for many) then it will have to happen inside your own household with a maximum of one guest.
Take a festive stroll
Of course, you don’t have to spend the entire day indoors, you can always take a nice festive walk, hike, or even a stroll around the town! However, it’s best not to linger in public parks — if they aren’t already closed — as your 1.5-meter bubble will probably get popped.
Fear not, you can still enjoy the Vondelpark — not in person — but online! This year, a number of young Amsterdammers will perform various musical acts throughout the park. It sounds extremely wholesome so if you’re looking for some extra serotonin this King’s Day, then book yourself some tickets!
The royal family in Eindhoven
The royal family will spend the king’s birthday in Eindhoven this year. More specifically at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven.
The visit will be streamed between 11 AM and 1 PM on NPO 1 and there will be a number of digital events that people can watch via koningsdageindhoven.nl — including a talk with the princesses!
Digital clothing markets
Normally, on King’s Day, people will line the streets selling their wares — but because of social distancing, of course, this year that won’t be possible. Like last year, this year will see the usual clothing markets move online.
If you’re looking to get rid of some items of clothing that, for example, no longer fit you due to those extra few pounds of quarantine weight (which are very much needed, food is our one constant comfort during these trying times!) then you can head online and join the King’s Day Flea Market on Marktplaats.
Online platforms such as Nextdoor will also be offering a digital dress market for those of us living in Amsterdam!
At least you can still satisfy your desire for random stuff other people don’t want (we’re all breathing a sigh of relief right now).
What are your King’s Day plans? Let us know in the comments below.
Feature Image: Annabiasoli/Pixabay
