Every year on April 27, the Netherlands celebrates King's Day, called Koningsdag. This holiday marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, born in 1967. This year it fell on a Monday, giving people a long weekend of celebrations.
Millions of people wore orange clothes and wigs, and many applied face paint to their cheeks in stripes and stars. The orange color comes from the royal House of Orange-Nassau, the family that has shaped Dutch identity for centuries. Even pets wore orange scarves or ribbons.
A popular tradition is the vrijmarkt, or "free market." Anyone can sell used items on the street without a permit and without paying tax. Children sell old toys for a few coins, and whole streets become big outdoor markets where people chat and bargain all day.
Amsterdam's canals filled with decorated boats and music. City squares held concerts and DJ shows all day. Hotel rooms sell out months ahead, and visitors from across Europe come just for this holiday.
Two foods are especially popular. Adults drink oranjebitter, a small orange-flavored liqueur. The tompouce is a cream-filled pastry. It normally has pink or white icing, but bakeries switch to bright orange icing for King's Day only.
Each year, King Willem-Alexander and his family visit a different Dutch city. They greet local people and join local traditions, giving smaller towns a chance to show their culture to the whole country.
King's Day started in 1885 as Princess's Day for Princess Wilhelmina. It later became Queen's Day, then officially King's Day in 2014. Music fills every corner of Dutch cities, with outdoor concerts running until late at night. Officials say the holiday brings communities together like few other events can.