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Up to a million people take to the streets of Amsterdam for the annual Queen's Birthday celebrations to join in with the dancing and the fun. Carnival floats, parades, street theatre, fireworks, DJ music and a decorated canal boat are among the treats on offer. The Dutch people celebrate the birthday of the Queen Mother, Princess Juliana, and many of them wear something orange in token of the royal house. In addition to the main event, a gay and lesbian version is run in the area around the Homomonument and Reguliersdwaarsstraat. In Vondelpark entertainments cater for children. The party goes on through the night of 29 April until the evening of the next day. Bargain hunters are sure to find something to suit in the massive flea market that takes place on the streets. For royalty watchers there is the chance of a glimpse of the present Queen Beatrix.

Times
Begins 1800 on 29 Apr and continues until the following evening.