King’s Day Traditions

In our household, King’s Day is a cherished tradition. We embrace the festivities while skillfully avoiding the bustling crowds. My wife, the “spellenkoningin” (game queen), invents delightful games for our family. Among the classics that resurface each year are “spijkerpoepen” (nail-poop) and “koekhappen” (cookie-biting).

Spijkerpoepen (Nail Pooping):
In this quirky game, participants tie a string around their waist with a nail dangling at the end. The goal? To maneuver the nail and drop it into a bottle without using your hands. It’s trickier than it sounds! A hilarious challenge that always brings joy and laughter

Koekhappen (Biting the Cake):
A cherished game for generations! Blindfolded players attempt to eat a gingerbread cake hanging from a twine—without using their hands. It’s a hilarious and suspenseful challenge that requires both skill and luck. Queen Máxima and King Willem-Alexander themselves know how to play this game.

These playful activities bring laughter and camaraderie to our King’s Day celebrations.

Check out Holland2stay blog more some fun traditional games. https://holland2stay.com/blog/traditional-dutch-games

Other personal traditions include:

• Indulging in Tompouce: These delightful pastry treats, layered with orange icing, symbolize the festive spirit.
• Attending the Aubade: The morning aubade, where we join the harmonious singing and witness local associations, fills our hearts with pride.
• Brief Visits to the Vrijmarkt: We explore the lively street markets, hunting for hidden treasures and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
• Following King’s Day on TV: For those moments when we prefer a quieter celebration, we tune in to televised events on NPO or NOS.
• Visiting Family and Friends: Connecting with loved ones completes our day.