The streets of the Netherlands were painted in vibrant orange hues as crowds gathered to celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with a plethora of festivities including street markets, canal parties, and free markets. The picturesque canals of Amsterdam were teeming with revelers, leading the local authorities to advise the public to seek alternative locations for merrymaking due to overcrowding. In a notable gesture, King Willem-Alexander paid tribute to the late Pope during the festivities, acknowledging the somber tone cast by the Pontiff’s funeral on what is typically a day of joyous Dutch revelry. The vibrant and jubilant atmosphere of the celebrations underscored the strong sense of national pride and unity among the Dutch people, as they came together to honor their beloved monarch on his special day.