Dutch delights: Experience the magic of King’s Day

Celebrating the King’s Day is one of the many exciting experiences for exchange students in the Netherlands.  

Exploring a new culture is always an exciting and fulfilling experience, and one of the best ways to do so is to participate in local festivals. Students who were on exchange in the Netherlands in the Spring term had a blast celebrating the King’s Day on 27 April.

The King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands, where the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their king with lively parties and street markets. The whole country turns orange for the carnival— the Dutch dress in orange, and buildings and stores are decorated with orange flags and garlands.

Jayden Cheung, a Year 3 student majoring in Journalism and Communication travelled from Maastricht to Amsterdam to experience the festive vibe. He described the city was alive with parties, music, and dance. As part of the King’s Day tradition, Chik Oi Laam, a Year 2 BBA student, tried the famous Dutch pastry called tompouce, which is topped with delicious orange glaze. Meanwhile, Tak Shing Wong, a Year 2 Psychology student who studied in Groningen learned to sing Dutch songs with the locals and painted the Dutch flag on his face.

By taking part in these cultural celebrations, students can broaden their horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures. Please encourage your students to take the plunge and expose themselves to a whole new world of opportunities!