King's Birthday in Curaçao

King's Birthday, also known as King's Day (Koningsdag in Dutch), is a national holiday in Curaçao celebrated on April 27. This day honors the birthday of the reigning monarch of the Netherlands, which is currently King Willem-Alexander.

History

The tradition of celebrating the Dutch monarch’s birthday dates back to the 19th century. Initially, it was celebrated as Princess's Day for Princess Wilhelmina, and later as Queen's Day for subsequent queens. When Willem-Alexander ascended to the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed King's Day and moved from April 30, which was his mother Queen Beatrix’s official celebration day, to his actual birthday on April 27.

Traditions

• Festivities: The day is marked by nationwide celebrations including music performances, street parties, and traditional Dutch games.
• Oranjegekte (Orange Madness): People dress up in orange—the national color symbolizing the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.
• Vrijmarkt (Free Market): Citizens are allowed to sell things on the streets without a permit or taxation. In Curaçao, local neighborhoods may organize their own markets.
• Cultural Events: Traditional and cultural events specific to Curaçao are held to showcase the island’s heritage.

What People Do

• Locals and tourists alike participate in street festivities with live music and dancing.
• Families engage in buying and selling goods at the vrijmarkt.
• Children often take part in games and activities organized throughout towns and cities.
• National monuments are open for free or at a discounted rate for educational purposes.

King's Birthday is not only a celebration of royalty but also an expression of national pride that brings together communities across Curaçao for a day of vibrant cultural festivities.