Koningsdag, 26th April

Note the attractive orange attire - this is because 26th April is King's Day (Koningsdag), celebrating the King's birthday. (Until 2013, the Netherlands celebrated Koninginnedag (or Queen's day) on 30th April but as Queen Beatrix abdicated on Koninginnedag, 2013, the name has changed!)

Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt ("free market"), at which many Dutch sell their secondhand items on the street. Many high streets look like a cross between a jumble and a nearly new sale. People literally set up stall (sometimes just a tarpaulin or blanket on the road and pavement) and sell their junk/wares. Of course, one man's junk is another man's treasure. I picked up a very nice pair of unworn suede wedges for €1 and bought a virtually brand new pair of Crocs for Amber, for €2!!

As evidenced by the photo above, it is also an opportunity for "orange madness" or oranjegekte, when pretty much everybody dresses in orange, or wears at least one orange item (such as a feather boa - sold in many shops!). Lovely.