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Partying With The Queen
By Rahul viz
Queen' Day is the most festive occasion of the year. It is celebrated on April 30th every year. Amsterdam is particularly famous for the all-out parties that commence on that day. There is plenty of orange on this day, as it represents the House of Orange, which is the name of the current Dutch dynasty. The current monarch, Queen Beatrix, visits towns on Queen's Day where she is received with special celebrations, often in the form of demonstrations of old-fashioned dances and crafts. What makes Queen's Day truly unique, however, are the stalls set up by the roadside. Queen's Day is known as a "free market" day when people sell household goods they no longer need.
Actually it is not the birthday of the current Queen, Queen Beatrix, but the birthday of her mother, Princess Juliana, who reigned from 1948 until 1980.The day is celebrated throughout the country in different ways; mostly folklore performances and flea markets. Children perform in the streets and parks, and people prefer to wear the orange colors of the "House of Orange". In Amsterdam thousands of people go out to sell-and-buy, listen to music and dance in the streets from early in the morning until late at night. "Oranje Bitter" (an orange colored liquor) and beer are the popular drinks.
Amsterdam transforms itself into a fairground, bright orange pendants wave in the wind; choirs welcome the day; all shops are shut and all trade is unregulated the streets become a market place as attics are emptied for hidden treasures to sell.
The fun traditionally begins the evening before Queen's Day with Koninginnacht.
In Amsterdam, the crowds gather along the waterfront by night hoping for a decent spot to watch the celebrations. Indeed, the larger the town, the larger the party and Amsterdam holds the biggest of all, with over a million people flocking to the streets. There are glorious parades, concerts, theatrical displays and street entertainment. Music is ubiquitous and ranges from the traditional to hip-hop and rock. Boats with live bands line the canal as fireworks explode into the sky. The main areas of activity in Amsterdam are Dam, Leidsestraat, Rokin and Spui. Vondelpark caters for children and bands play on Prinsengracht and Rembrandtsplein.
About the Author
Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on Partying With The Queen.
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