PHOTOS: Dutch community in Rwanda celebrates King’s Day

On Thursday evening, April 25, the Dutch community in Rwanda celebrated King's Day hosted by Joan Wiegman , the Dutch Ambassador to Rwanda, at her residence in Nyarutarama, Kigali. Guests mostly clad in orange themed attire turned up in large numbers in honour of the king’s birthday and to show their love and support to the Dutch community in the country. Among the people who graced the ceremony were different government officials and diplomats. The ambiance took on a tone befitting a royal birthday with guests enjoying a variety of food and drinks among others while Iconic Band performed live to keep them entertained. The Dutch Ambassador expressed her gratitude to the guests who joined them to celebrate the Orange ceremony and sympathized with Rwandans during this period of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi for the 30th time. She highlighted the two countries' flourishing relationship and maintaining relations of close cooperation and friendship. The Netherlands often together with other international donors, supports Rwanda in creating an enabling infrastructure for private sector development such as ports at lake Kivu. Commenting on the countries’ progressing partnership and both being sports minded countries she also mentioned the excitement of the cycling Road World Championship that will be held for the first time in Africa in September 2025, in Rwanda. Director General in charge of Europe, Americas & International Organisations, Marie Grâce Nyinawumuntu noted a significant progress that has been made by The Netherlands through great partnership in business and supporting Rwanda’s economic growth. She pointed out The Netherlands’ significant role in supporting Rwanda post-Genocide rebuilding and economic transformation by providing assistance and cooperation in the justice sector. “Dutch companies have invested in our nation, fostering innovation, job creation and sustainable development,” said Nyinawumuntu. The celebration also saw lucky guests walk away with impressive prizes including an air ticket to the Netherlands and food vouchers. About the King’s Day King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, also called King’s Day, or Koningsdag in Dutch, is celebrated every April 27. It is in fact a public holiday in the Netherlands, but certainly not a day of rest, as several nationalists flock the city of Amsterdam to celebrate with their king, although traditionally, celebrations start on the eve of his birthday. The theme colour for the event is orange because the King originates from a region called Orange in southeastern France. The kings chose the colour to match with their origin. The Dutch people, both at home and abroad, dress up in orange to honor the royal family - the House of Orange - and participate in unregulated street markets and parties.

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PHOTOS: Dutch community in Rwanda celebrates King’s Day