The Dutch royal occasion has been celebrated since many years in Curacao and is the annual official celebration of the King's birthday.
The national holiday is a chance to take part in flea markets, play traditional Dutch games, listen to music and get decked in orange.
Tradition
The tradition goes back to 1891, when the holiday was created to celebrate the August birthday of Queen Wilhelmina. Queen's Day was moved to April 30 with the coronation of Queen Juliana in 1948, and has remained on that day during the reign of Queen Beatrix. In 2013 Beatrix' son Willem Alexander became King and since his birthday is on April 27, King's day is celebrated on this day.
Orange
Orange is the official color of the King and the royal family, descendants from the House of Orange-Nassau that has played a political role in the Netherlands for roughly half a millennium.
Around the world, people know Holland for the orange clothes, and King's day is the biggest orange party in the Kingdom. In honor of the King young and old dress in orange, change their hair color to orange, or paint their faces.
Celebrations in Willemstad
The King's market is held along the streets of Punda and Otrobanda to the Curacao Renaissance hotel from 8:00 AM till 6:00 PM. People sell everything from plants, furniture, clothes, toys, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and many different handicrafts. Buildings in Willemstad are decorated for the special occasion.
You can buy all kind of food and drinks, bands are playing, and there are many activities for children like magicians, dancers, snow cones, and of course cotton candy.
After 7:00PM you find plenty of bars and restaurants in and around Willemstad to continue to continue the King's day party.
The fantastic atmosphere on Queen’s Day Curacao is definitively a must to experience while spending your Curacao vacation!
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