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culturalEvent

King's Day (Koningsdag)

Dutch heritage in orange, with markets and street parties

When27 April every year, moved to 26 April when the 27th falls on a Sunday. In 2027 it falls on Tuesday 27 April.
WhereWillemstad, Willemstad
CostFree to join in the street; food, drink, and market goods are sold by vendors.
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Cultural
When
April to April
Duration
1 day
Location
Willemstad
Cost
Free to join in the street; food, drink, and market goods are sold by vendors.
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
Large local and visitor turnout, busiest in and around Willemstad
Family friendly
Yes
First held
Celebrated across the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Curaçao
Local name
Koningsdag
Best arrival
Arrive mid-morning for the vrijmarkt markets before the afternoon parties peak
What to wear
Light clothing in orange to match the day; comfortable shoes for walking the markets
Food highlights
Street-food stalls and snacksCold drinks and festival barsDutch-style treats alongside local bites
Warnings
Very busy and lively; keep valuables securePace your drinking in the heatSome roads close, so plan your route
What to bring
Small cash for the vrijmarktSun protectionWaterA bag for any market finds
The overview

King's Day (Koningsdag)

King's Day, or Koningsdag, on 27 April is Curaçao's lively nod to its Dutch heritage, celebrated across the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the birthday of the reigning monarch. The colour of the day is unmistakable: orange, the hue of the House of Orange-Nassau. People dress head to toe in orange, and the streets, squares, and bars fill with the same bright energy you would find in Amsterdam, transplanted to the Caribbean sun.

The day mixes Dutch tradition with island flavour. A hallmark is the vrijmarkt, a free open-air flea market where anyone can lay out a blanket and sell, swap, or browse second-hand goods and crafts. Around it spin live music, DJ sets, children's games, food stalls, and pop-up parties that run from morning well into the night.

What happens on the day

  • Everyone wears orange, from shirts to hats to face paint.
  • Vrijmarkt street markets where locals sell from blankets and stalls.
  • Live music, DJ sets, family games, and all-day parties.

It is a festive, easygoing day with a strong local turnout. Wear something orange to fit in, head into Willemstad for the busiest markets and music, and keep small cash for the vrijmarkt and food stalls. A morning swim at Jan Thiel Beach makes a fine warm-up before the crowds gather.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is King's Day in Curaçao?

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King's Day, or Koningsdag, is celebrated on 27 April. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao marks the reigning monarch's birthday with a full day of markets, music, and parties.

Why does everyone wear orange?

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Orange is the colour of the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau, so it is the signature colour of King's Day. People dress head to toe in orange, from shirts and hats to face paint, to join the celebration.

What is the vrijmarkt?

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The vrijmarkt is a free open-air flea market and a hallmark of King's Day, where anyone can lay out a blanket or stall to sell, swap, or browse second-hand goods and crafts. Bring small cash to take part.

What is there to do on King's Day?

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Alongside the vrijmarkt markets, the day brings live music, DJ sets, children's games, food stalls, and pop-up parties that run from morning into the night, busiest in and around Willemstad.
Plan your visit

King's Day (Koningsdag)

When
27 April every year, moved to 26 April when the 27th falls on a Sunday. In 2027 it falls on Tuesday 27 April.
Duration: 1 day
Location
City streets, squares, and markets across Willemstad, Willemstad
Willemstad
Cost
Free
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