King's Day in Aruba

King's Day, known as Koningsdag in Dutch, is a national holiday in Aruba celebrated on April 27th. This day marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, who ascended to the throne in 2013 after his mother, Queen Beatrix, abdicated.

History

Before King Willem-Alexander's reign, the country celebrated Queen's Day (Koninginnedag). The holiday originally honored Queen Wilhelmina's birthday on August 31st and later Queen Juliana's birthday on April 30th. When Queen Beatrix took over the throne, she decided to keep the celebration on April 30th out of respect for her mother but also because her own birthday was in January, which is not suitable for outdoor festivities. With Willem-Alexander becoming king, the date was changed to his actual birthday and renamed King's Day.

Traditions

• Flea Markets: One of the most notable traditions is "vrijmarkt" or free market. Residents can set up stalls and sell second-hand items without a permit.
• Dress Code: Orange clothing and accessories (often outrageous) are worn by celebrants to honor the royal family, House of Orange-Nassau.
• Music & Dance: Festivities include live music performances and street parties with DJs playing various genres.
• Games & Activities: Children and adults participate in traditional Dutch games and sporting events organized throughout public spaces.
• Food & Drinks: Street vendors offer typical Aruban food as well as Dutch treats like "oliebollen" (deep-fried sweet dumplings) and "poffertjes" (mini pancakes).

Visitors to Aruba during King’s Day will experience a nation imbued with celebratory spirit, national pride, and community bonding through various colorful activities that bring together locals and tourists alike.