King’s Day as fley market for children

King’s Day as fley market for children

King’s Day in the Netherlands – yesterday, April 27, 2026 – has often been described as a celebration of the monarchy tradition, alternately as a legacy of Dutch colonialism, or as a celebration of the monarch as a national symbol with the accompanying orange colour. In the latter case, King’s Day primarily represents experiencing the royal tour. Additionally, the holiday is mainly characterized by loud music and partying combined with the consumption of large quantities of alcohol, including the accompanying fun, but certainly also the accompanying problems. Yet, in our opinion, the third description is the most relevant: King’s Day as a large, informal flea market, where there is room for a grey, informal economy. And especially room for a playful form of economy for children who, on that one holiday, are given the opportunity to proudly earn something themselves. Yesterday, Favas.net was able to observe this ourself in the village of Mookhoek (south of the Rotterdam metropolitan area). What a delight.

King’s Day as fley market for children.

Source: Favas.net
Images: Favas.net

See also:
More about King’s Day & Dutch culture.

An informal open-air shop on the village street.

King’s Day in Mookhoek enlivened by a colourful procession of loudly honking trucks on their festive tour through the surrounding rural region. An unforgettable day for people with disabilities as co-drivers in the trucks.