Mayor Femke Halsema kicked off the holiday at 7.50 am sharp on Dam Square. There she cut the first point from the specially baked birthday cake, which measured a total of 750 meters, divided into portions of 30 by 40 centimeters. The points were in great demand among Mokummers and tourists, who used the delicacy as an anti-hangover breakfast after a late night at the Amsterdam Dance Event.
After a full day’s program including activities in all branches of the public library, the crowning moment followed in the evening: a festive concert on Museumplein in the most sung city in the country.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Amalia will be received by Mayor Femke Halsema upon arrival for the National Celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. © ANP / ANP
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Princess Amalia were guests of honor at the closing of the birthday. Before the anniversary concert started, they spoke briefly in the Atrium of the Van Gogh Museum with numerous volunteers who had worked in the past year to celebrate the city’s 750th anniversary.
AMSTERDAM – Mayor Femke Halsema cuts a cake 75 meters long on Dam Square, in the shape of 750. Amsterdam has existed for 750 years to the day. ANP RAMON VAN FLYMEN © ANP / ANP
This was followed by the final concert, an exciting affair not only for the audience, but also for the artists. Although, semi-Amsterdammer Yves Berendse has sung for the royal couple before: “It is very special to perform at this festival and for the king and queen. I have performed for them before. Then they could sing along to Back in Time, but not all the verses.”
Crown Princess Amalia beamed upon arrival in Amsterdam. © ANP / Royals by Robin
Singer Noortje Herlaar said she wanted to pay special attention to the royal couple: “I’m taking my chance to see if they stay on track. I’m going to take a good look at them.”
About 2,500 guests attended the concert in an attractive dome tent on the square, mainly people who have meant something to the city. And so the royal couple, who did not let the opportunity to have a good time with the people of Amsterdam be denied them.
Maxima in tears
During the second song, The way we were, performed by Emma Kok, Edsilia Rombley and bandoneonist Carel Kraayenhof, the queen couldn’t keep it dry. The big screen showed photos of the House of Orange in Amsterdam, as well as images of the wedding of Willem-Alexander and Máxima and the coronation. Or was it Kraayenhof’s play that moved her, who also played at the royal couple’s wedding ceremony?