It all started back in 1889, when the forerunner of the modern Queen's Day celebration was held on August 31, the birthday of Queen Wihelmina, who sought to restore the fading image of the royal house by declaring this day, Prinsesdag (Princess Day).
Years later during the long reign of Queen Juliana, the day became officially recognized as a national holiday, celebrated on her birthday, April 30 and televised from the 1950's onward.
The reigning Queen Beatrix, who this year will be joining celebrations in two cities in the province of Friesland (Makkum and Franeker), announced in 1980 at her coronation ceremony that the event would continue to be held on April 30 as a tribute to her mother.
The date of Beatrix birthday falls in the cold month of January, not befitting for the traditional outdoor vrijmarket or free market (British: car boot sale, American: Flea Market). Anyone can set up shop on the streets without a trading license, and remarkably people do not need to pay taxes on their sales. The area in front of the Zuidmolen is exclusively for children to sell toys, handmade items or clothing.
Since the late nineties, many cities and towns, including Enschede, have adopted an additional celebration known as Koninginnenacht or Queen's Day Eve. On April 29, the night before Queen's Day, the event bureau Absolutely Fresh will hold a free outdoor dance event with live music, dancers, and a video show from 9pm-1am on the van Heekplein.
The Dutch will rise early on Queen's Day to post the Dutch flag, display their wares on the streets, and dress from head to toe in Orange, but the official opening starts later with words from mayor Peter den Oudsten at 11am, and the singing of the national anthem, Wilhelmus. In front of the Klanderij shopping center, the finalist of Idols 2008 (Nikki, Nathalie and Charlene) will give a free concert on the van Heekplein with swinging numbers and ballads, such as, `Proud Mary,' `I Who Have Nothing,' `R.E.S.P.E.C.T.' and `Hello World.'
On all the squares in Enschede, the festivities of Queen's Day provide entertainment with skateboard demonstrations in front of the train station, live music in the Old Market, pony rides for children, and a spectacular car show on the van Heekplein. To fully appreciate this Dutch tradition and avoid the massive crowds accumulating in the late afternoon, start your day early with the ringing of the bells at 8:00am, and if you are in the spirit, wear a touch of orange for the royals.
