This year, King’s Day (Koningsdag) falls on a Sunday — but as always, the Netherlands knows how to adapt. The celebrations shift to Saturday, April 26, and with it comes a national splash of orange, spontaneous street parties, and a collective deep breath before the next workweek kicks in.But what can this uniquely Dutch holiday tell us about how we work — and how we take time off?
King’s Day is more than a party — it’s a cultural pause. Streets close, offices empty, and for one day, everything feels just a little less serious. And that’s the point.In a work culture that’s often goal-driven and calendar-packed, days like King’s Day remind us that breaks don't have to be passive. They can be loud, joyful, messy — and still leave us recharged.
In other words: don’t underestimate the power of a little silliness. It makes people feel like they belong — and that shows up in how they collaborate.
The vrijmarkt — the nationwide flea market where anyone can sell anything — is a symbol of Dutch self-reliance and creativity. It’s chaotic, unregulated, and gloriously democratic.There’s something in that spirit we can take into the workplace too: trust people to take initiative, create their own space, and show up in ways that aren’t overly polished. Authenticity, after all, beats perfection.
Because the 27th falls on a Sunday this year, most of the country will celebrate on Saturday. So make sure to block your Friday evening, dig up your best orange gear, and don’t plan any serious Monday morning meetings — let the spirit of King’s Day linger just a little.
In a world where “work-life balance” often ends up as a bullet point in a slide deck, King’s Day is a real-life example of what happens when a country hits pause — together.So whether you’re dancing in the streets, hosting a quiet garden BBQ, or just enjoying the fact that no one’s emailing you — make it count.Happy King’s Day. 👑