Festival-goers dressed in orange for King’s Day celebrations flooded the streets of Amsterdam on Wednesday. This was the first time that COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted.
King Willem-Alexander (55 years old) was celebrating the holiday by visiting Maastricht, the southernmost city, with his family. He kept a promise that he had delayed for two years because of the pandemic.
Amsterdam’s Kings’ Eve party is comparable to New Year’s Eve. Since Tuesday night, streets in the historic center have been thronged with tens or thousands of revelers.
King’s Day is when “free markets” are held in many towns. People set up stalls and lay out carpets to sell their possessions for a few dollars or euros. Haggling is normal and bargains are plentiful.
Amsterdam’s canals were crowded with people dancing and playing music. In the Vondelpark, barkers sold pancakes, and children with musical instruments displayed their various skills.
DJ Martin Garrix was among those who were expected to perform in Amsterdam later.
National broadcaster NOS aired Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in Maastricht. They were pictured shaking hands with their three daughters or punching fists to fans who had gathered on the streets to get a glimpse.
Although the festivities are usually late into the night, this year’s 27th fell on Wednesday, so most revellers had to return to work the next day.
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