Koninginnedag!

Wow, it's finally come round. It's Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) weekend and this is the biggest party of the year in Holland. In fact, this party is SO big, it's impossible to really describe.

Picture 50km of streets and alleyways in the centre Amsterdam becoming one writhing squirming mass of people. Bars move their taps outside, stages dot the length of streets and intersections so live bands can compete against the music blasting from everywhere. Whole streets become dance floors such that to move through them you must bounce your way slowly amongst the crush of bodies. If you come across a "mosh pit" pick another direction (or destination).

There will be places on the canals where a pedestrian will literally be able to walk across by stepping from boat to boat.

The actual holiday is Monday April 30th. That's Koninginnedag. Then there's the night before known as Koninginnenacht. The party starts late in the afternoon and proceeds through the night and into the late evening the next day. Although this year the weekend will incite earlier and harder partying than most years. Add in the amazing summer weather and the impending full moon and I think we've got one hell heck of a party!

Par - tay!