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King Willem-Alexander, who turns 55 on Wednesday and whom the
holiday celebrates, was visiting the southern city of Maastricht
with his family, keeping a promise that had been postponed for
two years due to the pandemic.
In Amsterdam, where Kings' Eve is a party comparable to New
Year's Eve, the streets of the historic centre have been mobbed
with tens of thousands of celebrants since late Tuesday.
On King's Day itself, "free markets" are set up in most towns,
and people build makeshift stalls or lay out carpets to sell
possessions they no longer want or need for a few cents or euros.
Bargains are abundant and haggling is expected.
People wear orange in honour of the ruling House of Orange.
Amsterdam's canals were filled with "party boats" of dancing
people and pumping music, while in the large Vondelpark, barkers
sold pancakes and children with musical instruments showed off
their varying skills.
DJ Martin Garrix, among others, was expected to perform later in
Amsterdam.
In Maastricht, national broadcaster NOS showed Willem-Alexander,
Queen Maxima and their three daughters shaking hands or boxing
fists with fans who had lined the streets to catch a glimpse of
the royals.
The festivities traditionally last late into the evening, but as
the 27th fell on a Wednesday this year, most revellers were
expected to return to work on Thursday.
(Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
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