From balcony day to convertible ring sign: this was King’s Day in North Holland

King’s Day is already coming to an end. After two austere years, it was finally once again really celebrated in the province. Our reporters could be found in every corner, looking for the best Orange moments. We have listed a few highlights.

Convertible Ring stitch in ‘t Gooi

“It is, of course, top notch, but a little mondanity is also allowed on such a day,” said Leo Janssen about the convertible ring sign in Laren. In this Gooise ‘sport’ it is the intention that ladies and gentlemen stick a ring of string in expensive homeless cars with a wooden sword.

With the encouragement of a commentator, the ring cutters were encouraged to tear hard across the Brink. “Pace please ladies, that could be a little faster”, blares through the speakers. The ring sign produced spectacular images.

The King of Zaandam

For many people, King’s Day is special, especially for Frits Nieste. He lives for days like these. ‘Wim-Lex’ isn’t the only king to be the center of attention today. Every year Frits also puts on his royal outfit (including gold crown) and goes among his Zaanse ‘subjects.’

He is now well known in the area and we went out with him today† It therefore takes less than five seconds before countless selfies and greetings have to be handed out. “It’s just part of it,” notes the King himself. “I like to give people pleasure, to make them laugh. Then I enjoy myself too!”

King’s Day was also celebrated on Marken as usual. And we really mean as usual, because King’s Day is a great tradition here. What makes Marken so unique is that special costumes are worn especially for King’s Day.

For the men it is a bit sober and is limited to wearing an orange collar. But the ladies, on the other hand, are beautifully, colorfully dressed and equipped with all kinds of orange details, from the cap to the skirt. “The clothes still belong to my mother, who always wore traditional costumes. She turned 93.” a lady told NH Nieuws.

Watch our compilation video of King’s Day here, text continues under the video

Burger Babes of Haarlem

King’s Day was celebrated in Haarlem with a smile and a tear. The so-called Burger Babes – world famous in Haarlem – stop baking burgers after nine years† Every year the proceeds of the sandwiches go to a good cause, but that is now coming to an end.

“They were really fun years in which we worked hard,” says Burger Babe Marlen. “But it’s nice that it’s finished after this, we want to dance or sail on a boat ourselves.”

Shiny vintage cars in Bergen

Early in the morning a procession of old-timers drove through Bergen† A group of car enthusiasts started this festive day in their old car. For example, one of the participants drives a Ford Mustang from 1964. At the time, it was made for American housewives to do the shopping, explains the owner. But apparently the car can also be used for a festive trip through the village.

Balkings day in Hoofddorp

Balkingsdag, a Hoofddorp term, originated during the corona crisis and has now become a household name. When King’s Day was transformed into ‘Housing Day’ two years ago, Robbie organized a small party for the residents at the Polderplein. Last year that party was followed up and today the Hoofddorper is unpacking and he even has a permit for a large party

Dozens of people are dancing to the music from Robbie’s balcony with a drink. It is the third edition of Balkingsdag and possibly the last. Robbie will no longer live at the Polderplein next year. However, he does not rule out a fourth edition. “Who knows, we can organize something with a stage or we can arrange something with the new occupant of this apartment”, he concludes.

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