What a contrast between how the Dutch and how the British 'celebrate' the monarchy. After a few days of attending events in honor of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine, it was time for the Dutch to celebrate their queen. April 30th, Koninginnedag or Queens Day in Holland, is the official birthday of Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands. It is celebrated all over Holland by throwing the biggest 'garage sale' and outdoor party you have ever seen. Oh, and don't forget to wear anything orange that you can muster up: cowboy hats, wigs, shirts, pants, jewelry, and I even saw someone in an orange bathrobe. Here is how it plays out: people reserve spots on sidewalks of specified streets, by taping off sections and writing their name. On Queens Day, they bring any 'treasures' they may have and sell them in their spot. It is like a huge garage sale, with one difference: there isn't a garage in sight... |
| These guys were catapulting choclate cream puffs into the crowd |
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| Clara, Tessa, and Allie, ready to sell their goods! |
One very cute aspect of it is the children. Kids not only sell their handmade treats and toys, some of them will play instruments, set up carnival type games, and last year, a boy was 'selling compliments.' Chris bought one for 20cents and the boy said, "You are a very nice man." Quite the bargain for 20cents. Allie and Tessa were determined to sell something, so Allie made rice crispie treats and Tessa made perler bead decorations. Friends of ours had reserved a spot and the rest was history. The girls sold out of their goods and had a ball!
Why the obsession with orange, you may say,when the colors of the Dutch flag are red, white and blue? The answer: Orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family. The lineage of the current dynasty -- the House of Oranje-Nassau -- dates back to Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). It symbolizes pride in the country and in being Dutch. After living here 2 years, the color has grown on me. I think I will always associate orange with Holland.
Why the obsession with orange, you may say,when the colors of the Dutch flag are red, white and blue? The answer: Orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family. The lineage of the current dynasty -- the House of Oranje-Nassau -- dates back to Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). It symbolizes pride in the country and in being Dutch. After living here 2 years, the color has grown on me. I think I will always associate orange with Holland.
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