King’s Day in coronatimes: what can we expect?

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

Ailish Lalor
Ailish Lalor
Ailish was born in Sydney, Australia, but grew up by a forest in south-east Ireland, which she has attempted to replace with a living room filled with plants in The Hague. Besides catering to her army of pannenkoekenplantjes, Ailish spends her days convincing her friends that all food is better slightly burnt, plotting ways to hang out with dogs and cats, and of course, writing for DutchReview.

Liked it? Try these on for size:

What do you think?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

BREAKING: International Criminal Court in The Hague issues arrest warrants against Israel PM and Hamas leader

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has just issued arrest warrants against three important figures from Israel and Hamas.  According to the NOS,...

Your guide to all the ‘lekker’ Dutch festive food and drinks you can enjoy this holiday season

Christmas is right around the corner, which means: it's time for the feasting on Dutch festive food to begin! 🎄 You might be wondering...

Best internet and SIM deals in the Netherlands: Free gifts, discounts, and more

’Tis the season… for Black Friday tech deals! From free TVs to discounts up to 70%, these are the best internet and SIM offers...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.