Queen's Day 2000 Q & A

I sent a few questions to a Dutch friend of mine who lives in Amsterdam and knows his stuff. Here are the questions and responses:

Q: One feature of Queen's Day is that the Queen "gives" everyone a tax-free day, resulting in the street flea markets?

A: There is no BTW (VAT) for individuals but there is income tax, (which is forgotten by everybody...... strange.... How could this be explained ...;-)

Q: There is a flea market like atmosphere due to many locals holding street sales

A: Right, don't forget the children's flea market in Vondelpark

Q: LOT's OF PEOPLE For Amsterdam,

A: RIGHT

Q: Normally Queen's Day is on April 30, why is it on April 29 this year?

A: Koninginnedag is normally at April 30, since that is the birthday of former Queen Juliana. This year Koninginnedag is at April 29 because April 30 is on a Sunday which causes problems with fundimental christians like those that derivatives from 'pilgrim fathers' that never crossed the ocean.

(That was a reference to the fact that the American Pilgrim fathers set sail from Holland. If I am not mistaken they were in Leiden before leaving for America, and some were left behind, evolving into modern day Dutch fundamentalist Christians.)

Q: Queen and family visit 2 cities? Is that right, which ones?

A: Oops, you got me! ;-)

( note I believe it's Amsterdam and Katwijk this year.)

Q: More prominent that religious and other cultural holidays?

A: My fellow Dutch aren't very religious (besides those christian fundamentalist). The only true religious feast in Amsterdam is the Ramadan of immigrant muslims. ;-) Koninginnedag is defenitly a prominent cultural holiday, but it is more prominent in Amsterdam and the Hague than in 'the country'. I think national Sinterklaas (december 5), Christmas and boxing day and New years eve are more prominent. In the Catholic south Carnival is the most prominent expression, while in Holland and Fryslan the Elf steden tocht (Ice skating marathon over 150 miles, only held once in a decade or so) causes a real cultural earthqauke.

Q: What is the history?

A: There is not much history on Konninginedag. Original Queensday, or Kingsday was always held at the birthday of the King/Queen, but Beatrix preffered to celebrate her birthday in private which is why she kept on celebrating the birthday of her mother Juliana in public. Koninginnedag is celebrated since the 1820's. Before 1806 the Netherlands were a Republic (the oldest name was United States of Netherlands: Americans really are copy cats ;-) that ended due to french Napoleon.

A bit about Queen Wilhelmina, grandmother of Beatrix. Wilhelmina lived in Paleis 't Loo in Apeldoorn, which is currently a royal museum that can be visited, just like you can visit the Palace on the Dam. Never ever a single Orange Nassua lived in the Palace on the Dam. (And never a leading Orange Nassau lived in Amsterdam, alltough the Rijksmuseum originally is build for the royal familly) The only King that lived on the Dam was Louis Bonaparte, a brother of Napoleon, between 1806 and 1809. Before 1806 the building was the Cityhall of Amsterdam. In other words: a symbol for Republicans!! For in the dominant sculptures on the roof and in the main hall (burgerzaal, salle of citizens) it is Hermes/Mercure that rules the world. 'Money makes their world go round' shouted noble Cromwell when he was forced to sign his surrender to commons in this cityhall because the admiralty of ASD sunk the complete English navy ..... and his complains became famous.(Parts of Cromwells flagship can be seen in the Rijksmuseum as Republican Trophy). The only reason why it is called a 'palace' is strictly architectonial. It is designed as an Italian Renaissance 'palazzo'.