King's Day in Sint Maarten

King's Day, celebrated on April 27th, is a national holiday in Sint Maarten, commemorating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. This day is part of a larger celebration throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

History and Traditions

Originally known as Queen's Day (Koninginnedag), the holiday celebrated the birthday of the queen. In 2013, when Queen Beatrix abdicated and her son Willem-Alexander ascended to the throne, Queen's Day was renamed King's Day and moved from April 30th to April 27th to align with his birthday.

The island of Sint Maarten, being part of the Dutch Kingdom, adopted this holiday and has since embraced it as an important part of its cultural calendar. The day is marked by a festive spirit with Dutch patriotic colors - orange being most prominent due to its association with the Dutch Royal Family, known as the House of Orange-Nassau.

Activities on King's Day

• Flea Markets: Residents set up free markets (vrijmarkt) where they sell second-hand goods.
• Street Parties: Music and dance events are common in public areas.
• Sports Events: Various sporting activities are organized including traditional games.
• Food and Drink: Local food stalls offer special dishes and orange-themed treats; orange drinks are also popular.
• Cultural Celebrations: Parades or cultural performances highlight Dutch heritage.
• Dress Code: People dress in orange attire to show their national pride.

On King's Day, schools and most businesses are closed, allowing everyone to participate in the festivities. It’s a day for community bonding, revelry, and national pride.