King's Day

King's Day (Dia di Rey) on 27 April is an official public holiday in Aruba, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, head of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, of which Aruba is a constituent country. The day opens with a government ceremony in Wilhelmina Park in Oranjestad and turns into an island-wide day of orange clothing, street fairs, sport, music and kite flying. In 2027, 27 April falls on a Tuesday.

What happens on King's Day in Aruba?

According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, the official programme begins with a government ceremony in Wilhelmina Park, the waterfront garden in Oranjestad, including a parade of the island's military, police and scouting groups. For the rest of the day there are sporting events, street fairs, cultural performances, live music, traditional games and street food, and kite-flying contests that draw all ages. Locals and visitors dress in orange, the Dutch national colour, and homes and businesses are decorated — the tourism authority describes the whole island "turning orange".

Why is it sometimes on 26 April?

King's Day follows the Dutch calendar. When 27 April falls on a Sunday, the holiday moves to Saturday 26 April; Wikipedia's list of Aruban public holidays notes this rule, and in 2025 — when 27 April was a Sunday — the Governor attended the protocol ceremony on Saturday 26 April, according to the Government of Aruba. The same rule applies in the European Netherlands, so check the date if you are planning a trip around it.

Where should visitors go?

Start in Oranjestad. Wilhelmina Park, with its statue of Queen Wilhelmina, is the setting for the morning ceremony and sits on the waterfront in central Oranjestad. Neighbourhood street fairs and community events take place across the island during the day; the programme changes each year and is announced in the local press shortly before. Wear orange if you want to join in — it is the one day when nobody will find it odd.

What closes on King's Day?

As an official holiday, many shops, petrol stations and other services close early, stay closed all day or run reduced hours. The tourism authority's advice is simple: plan meals, fuel and shopping in advance. Hotel restaurants, beaches and most tour activities continue as normal.

How does it fit into a trip?

Late April is outside the Carnival season and usually a quieter time to visit; our best time to visit Aruba guide covers weather and crowds. Combine the morning in Oranjestad with a walking tour of the capital and a visit to Fort Zoutman, a few minutes from the park. For other public holidays and festivals, see the events calendar.