📝 "Flea Market on Kingsday" (Blog)

"Treasure Hunting and Stories: The Enchantment of King's Day Flea Market in the Netherlands"

Flea Market:
On the early morning of King's Day, the Netherlands awakens with an excitement that is only palpable on this day. Streets are transformed into a patchwork of blankets, stuffed with yesterday's treasures. It's the flea market, a tradition steeped in the spirit of sharing, sustainability, and conviviality.

Along the cobbled streets, adults stand with a look of determination, displaying household items as if they were museum pieces. Beside them stand children, proudly promoting their old toys as if they were the latest discovery. Thus begins the spectacle of the flea market, where every stall, every blanket, has its own story to tell.

It's more than a market; it's a lively tableau of stories, encounters, and the revaluation of the seemingly unimportant. Old books with dog-eared pages, an antique coffee grinder that has imparted its aromas to many cups, clothing that once belonged to a special occasion - each item carries a history with it.

In this world of colour and activity, a special community emerges. Neighbours stroll along the stalls, enjoying spontaneous encounters and negotiating with a smile. The flea market is a day when the streets are transformed into a place where everyone is equal, where value is not measured in money, but in the joy of sharing and reusing.

Sustainability is the mantra of the day. What has become unnecessary for one finds a new life elsewhere. It's a celebration of simplicity and a reminder that we don't have to buy everything new. The streets are spared from unnecessary waste, and what doesn't find a new owner is responsibly disposed of afterwards.

So, amidst colourful blankets and the call of negotiations, the magic of the flea market unfolds on King's Day. It's not just a day of trade, but of discoveries, encounters, and rediscovering the value in what others no longer need. A celebration of conviviality, sustainability, and Dutch tradition - the flea market on King's Day is a lively story that is rewritten every year.

Tips for a Successful Flea Market:

• Rise Early: Start your day early to score the best finds.
• Negotiate with a Smile: Negotiating is part of the experience, but always do it with respect and a smile.
• Explore with an Open Mind: Sometimes treasures lie in unexpected places. Be curious and discover!

A flea market is a festive occasion where individuals can sell their goods on the street without a permit, with some rules that may vary by municipality. In the Netherlands, it's a tradition that on King's Day, many cities buzz with these flea markets.

On these special days, adults often offer their unused household items, while children sell their old toys. It's mainly about the pleasure of buying and selling, and to prevent something valuable from being thrown away. What isn't sold by the end of the day sometimes ends up in the already prepared waste containers.

King's Day, formerly known as Princess Day (1885-1890) and Queen's Day (1891-2013), is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in honour of the head of state. For most workers throughout the kingdom, this is a day off, during which various festivities take place, including flea markets, festivals, and wearing orange clothing. Since 1980, when Beatrix became queen, on this day the king and/or queen ceremonially visit one or more municipalities in the country.

From Queen Wilhelmina (1891) to Queen Beatrix (2013), the day was called Queen's Day. During Wilhelmina's reign, it was celebrated on August 31, her birthday. When her daughter ascended to the throne, the celebration was moved to her birthday starting from 1949, on April 30. Since 2014, the day has been called King's Day and falls on April 27.