Utrecht Queen's Day (2) Town Hall

As in many cities and villages, also in Utrecht the celebrations of Queen's Day take place.

In Utrecht at 09:00 the mayor, now Aleid Wolfsen, enters with a small group of (V)IP’s into the town hall.

At 09:30 the chairman of the Society Queeen’s Day Utrecht (vereniging Koninginnedag Utrecht) Mr. Thomas Dres starts the aubade with a small speech especially for the many children who came by bicycle, walking or…. by one of the three sightseeing boats.

Then the major speeches and hoist the flag together with the chairman of UOC, Mr. Floris De Gelder, chairman of the Utrecht Oranje Association.

All the children have received an, of course orange, balloon and after a common count down the children let the balloons go in the hope that they will arrive in a far country.

There are always balloons that don''t come further than the first tree in front of the town hall.

After these ceremonies all present people are invited into the town hall for a toast to the Queen with an ”Oranjebitter” (orange liqueur) or orange juice.

On the picture mayor Aleid Wolfsen together with Gilbert Isabella, chairman of the Utrecht PvdA (socialist) fraction, with an Oranjebitter.

It’s always a very informal and enjoyable gathering.