King's day is a Dutch holiday, celebrated on 27 april (26 april if 27 is a sunday). For most Dutch people, King's day means unlimited beer drinking and going crazy in an orange outfit. But King's day is actually an old tradition that originates from the 19th century, when it used to be called princess day and after that queen's day.

In 1885 the Dutch get a new national holiday: on August 31st the birth of princess Wilhelmina becomes Princess Day. When the Princess is crowned Queen in 1890, Princess day is renamed to Queens Day. The Queen falls seriously ill in 1902. The nation fears for her life but when it appears she will recover Queensday becomes a national holiday. The Dutch hoist the flag and drink orange liqueur.

Every year, Queens Wilhelmina's daughter, princess Juliana, receives a flowery tribute on her birthday, april 30th., on the steps of Soestdijk Palace. And when Juliana becomes Queen, Queens Day is moved to this date. As of the the 1950's everyone with a television can enjoy the parade on their own goggle box.

In 1980 Beatrix takes over her mothers Crown. She was born januari 31st but nobody likes the rain on their parade, so April it shall be, by royal decree. With the coronation of King Willem Alexander not only the date but also the name of our national holiday changes. Queens Day becomes Kings Day and is now celebrated on the Kings birthday, april 27th. One day later we celebrate the King of all hangovers.

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