King's Day

Today is King's Day in the Netherlands, or 'Koningsdag' in Dutch, on which we celebrate the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander. He turned 50 years old today. 

TIt's a national holiday and the whole of the Netherlands colours orange, literally so here on Buienradar, a popular weather radar site. And even though we can't do without an umbrella today and with about 11°C it's rather chilly, but it's a festive day!

Freedom

Today May 5 is Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day), this day marks the end of WW2 and we celebrate the fact that we live in freedom. But it is also a day on which we reflect on the lack of freedom elsewhere in the world: at the many Liberation Festivals that are held today, young people are made aware of the fact that freedom is not something they should take for granted.

If you would like to read more about the meaning of May 4 (Remembrance Day) and May 5 in the Netherlands please visit the official website HERE.

I made this photo of a pavement stone in Utrecht a few years ago.