Existence of Chris: Koninginnedag

Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) is the annual festival which produces the photos seen in many brochures and advertisements for Holland- the ones where there is a sea of people dressed in orange. It is definitely a sight to see, and something that was very cool to be part of. We joined in with everyone else, walking the packed Amsterdam streets with our orange hats and Heineken in hand (alcohol is allowed in public on queen's day), stopping every now and then to listen to the DJ's set up at stages throughout the city.

Video of one of the bigger party areas at Leidseplein

Another big tradition for the day is the vrijmarkts, literally 'free markets' because anyone can sell anything without being set up as a business or paying tax. As a result, people set up on the side of the road with all the junk they have collected over the last year (probably also which they bought from other punters at last year's queen's day) and try to make a few euro. The specially keen people could be seen up to a few days in advance reserving the best spots on the side of the road, marking out their territory with tape on the footpath.

We also had time to wander through the sarphatipark and the vondelpark which were full not only with markets, but people doing anything to make a few euro- kids playing musical instruments, singing, even some guys allowing people to throw eggs at them. There was also plenty of people relaxing in the sun (it was a hot day- 20 degrees!) enjoying a beer and the company of friends.

I've been told that this queen's day was particularly quiet and that normally the crowds are much bigger and rowdier. It seems that things got out of hand last year at the 2 main concert areas (Museumplein and Rembrandtplein) the council revoked the licences for these events until they can figure out a way to limit the crowds and damage caused by the crowds last year.

The highlight of the day was probably sitting on the edge of the Prinsengracht watching all the boats go past, with the drunk orange people listening to loud party music. We saw some pretty funny and also disturbing things- guys peeing over the edge of the boat into the canal, guys wearing tight orange dresses, an old lady who looked like she was pole dancing... but it was fun to be part of such an important day on the Dutch calendar.