This coming Wednesday, 27 April 2016, the Dutch community in Luxembourg will celebrate its national day, King's Day, with a part at The Tube in Luxembourg city centre from 19:00.
Koningsdag or King's Day is the national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Celebrated on 27 April, the date marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. From 1949, the birthday of Queen Juliana to 2013, the day was known as Koninginnedag or Queen's Day and was celebrated on 30 April.
In 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated on Koninginnedag, and her son, Willem-Alexander, ascended the throne (the first king since the observance of the national holiday). As a result, the holiday became known as Koningsdag (King's Day) from 2014 onwards, and the celebration was shifted three days back to 27 April, the king's birthday.
Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt (free market), at which the Dutch sell their used items. It is also an opportunity for "orange madness" or oranjegekte, a kind of frenzy named after the national colour.
Kingsday in Luxembourg
The Dutch Ambassador to Luxembourg, Peter W. Kok will host the Annual Garden Party at the Residence at lunchtime on Tuesday 26 April, for the official celebration. The Dutch Club Luxembourg (www.nvl.lu) is organising the traditional evening party at the Tube bar on Wednesday 27 April from 19:00 onwards. Bitterballen, beer and some Dutch may be expected! The evening is open to all; drinks for Dutch club members are sponsored by Vistra and NVL (Dutch club).
Why the Dutch wear orange
You may wonder why nearly all Dutch people dress in orange during such occasions. After all, the colours of the official Dutch flag are red, white, and blue. The answer is simple: Orange is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family, which hails from the House of Orange.
The House of Orange-Nassau (in Dutch: Huis van Oranje-Nassau), a branch of the German House of Nassau, has played a central role in the political life of the Netherlands — and at times in Europe — since William I of Orange (also known as “William the Silent” and “Father of the Fatherland”) organised the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule which, after the Eighty Years’ War, led to an independent Dutch state.
Photo (L-R): Joris Eyck – President Dutch Club Luxembourg (www.nvl.lu); Olger Draijer – President Dutch Trade Forum (www.nhf.lu); Roeland Pels – knighted 2015 at the Residency during Kingsday Reception – honorable president both Dutch Club Luxembourg and Dutch Trade Forum; Nienke ter Avest – committee member Dutch Club – President Hockey Club Luxembourg (www.hcl.lu)
