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Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) started as Prinsessedag (Princess' Day) on 31 August 1885. This was the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. After her accession, it was then called Koninginnedag. After the accession of Queen Juliana (Queen Wilhelmina's daughter) in 1948, the holiday was changed to her birthday, 30 April. In 1980, Queen Juliana's daughter, Beatrix chose to observe the holiday on her mother's birthday and to visit a different Dutch town each year to join in festivities instead of receiving a floral parade near the palace.
I found a Queen's Day celebration here, near my home! I was looking online for something in or near the Dutch founded town of Lynden, WA, but I found one on Mercer Island in Seattle - Yea! My husband and I brought my son and we all had a good time. There were Stroopwafels, Satay and other goodies to be eaten. Also some games, puppet show, a raffle, silent auction, book table, children's flea market, and sign up booth for the Orange School (Saturday-school classes taught in Dutch!). My son had a wonderful time playing all the games and I got to attempt to practice speaking Dutch again. I was so excited to get there that I forgot my camera, so sadly I have no photos of the evens to share. But here's a photo of my son's Spelletjes Kaart (Game Card)!
