Parade in The Hague, Netherlands, Prinsjesdag, Prince’s Day

One of the most colorful and exciting days of the year in the Netherlands is Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag) which happens in the Hague when the king rides in his golden coach in a major parade through town with lots of marching bands and soldiers on horseback, with traditional colorful outfits and thousands of people cheering as the parade goes by. It’s a big outdoor party for people of all ages and kids are especially happy because they get the day off from school. You might be surprised to think that a political speech that’s all about the budget for the year would turn out such an enthusiastic crowd, but it’s really all about the king and the people’s long-standing love and appreciation for the monarchy and they like the razzle-dazzle of the fancy parade. This special day happens just once a year on the third Tuesday in September and begins at the stroke of one when the king, accompanied by other members of the royal household, leaves the palace in his golden carriage, which is only se