<P> In recent years parties and concerts have been held the evening before Koningsdag . Until 2013, nightclubs across the Netherlands organised special events for what became known as Koninginnenacht (Queen's Night). Many young people celebrate in the streets and squares (and in Amsterdam, the canals as well) throughout the night, and after all - night partying join the crowds at the vrijmarkt . </P> <P> While King's Day celebrations take place throughout the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a popular destination for many revelers . Often the city's 750.000 residents are joined by up to 1 million visitors . In recent years Amsterdam authorities have taken some measures to try and stem the flow of visitors as the city became too full . </P> <P> Those taking part in Koningsdag commonly dye their hair orange or wear orange clothing in honour of the House of Orange - Nassau, which rules over the Netherlands . Orange - coloured drinks are also popular . This colour choice is sometimes dubbed "orange madness", or in Dutch, oranjegekte . A local Orange Committee member said of Koninginnedag in 2011: </P> <P> Friendships--and community--will be formed . For me that's really what Queen's Day is all about . It's not an outburst of patriotism, it's not even about the popularity of the royal family . It's about a sense of belonging . For one day, everybody is the same in Holland . Bright orange and barmy . </P>

Why is everyone dressed up in orange on king’s day