Koninginnedag aka Queens Day (April 30th)

A wonderful celebration where the streets of A'dam are over crowded with drunk orange attired out-of-towners (think New Years Eve-NYC Times Square). All public transport to and out of the center of town is canceled; all police are called up for duty; all the orange food colouring is sold out; people walk the streets dripping orange beer over each other; music is so loud people can't hear themselves shouting into their mobiles trying to find their friends while stepping in puddles of orange puke ... yep great times
... all to celebrate the Queen's Birthday ...

this is my first time in 8 years that I haven't been to one and I miss it! one fascinating part is the "garage sale" aspect. Last year Cuneyt and I helped Heleen sell some of her stuff ... was a great day spent with great friends and a helping of goodies from Bagel and Beans added to the fun. If you have never had the chance to experience one it is wonderful and unique - especially if you like orange beer.