Kings Day in Curaçao
Kings Day, or Koningsdag, is an official public holiday in Curaçao on April 27. The day is included in Curaçao’s labour law and gives most workers and schoolchildren a day off, while scheduled workers may still be on duty.[1][2]
A public holiday under Curaçao law
Curaçao’s Labour Regulation lists the day on which the King’s birthday is officially celebrated as a public holiday. The government’s holiday information identifies Kings Day as April 27 and says workers and schoolchildren do not have to work or attend school that day.[1][2]
The law provides for continued work in some cases. Workers on shift schedules may be rostered on a public holiday; the law provides at least double pay for shift workers who work that day. Curaçao’s public holiday page also identifies police, firefighters and nursing staff as examples of scheduled workers.[1][2]
The date and its royal meaning
Kings Day marks the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. The Dutch Royal House says the Netherlands has celebrated the holiday on April 27 since 2014, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. Curaçao’s own holiday listing also fixes the observance on April 27.[1][3]
The law defines a public holiday to include the day on which the King’s birthday is officially celebrated.[2]
How the day is marked in Curaçao
Curaçao’s events policy identifies April as a period when public events are held around Kings Day. It does not establish one island-wide programme or a single set of customs, so celebrations can depend on local organizers and the event calendar.[4]
A formal royal element can include the Governor presenting royal decorations to Curaçao residents. In an official Kings Day address, the Governor described presenting decorations to people recognized for service to the community.[5]
What to expect for daily services
Because workers and schoolchildren generally have the day off, routine services may run differently. Check schedules for government counters, banks, shops and public transport with each provider.[1]
Check opening hours and transport plans with the individual office, business or operator before setting out. Public celebrations may also affect activity around the venues hosting them; Curaçao’s events policy notes that larger events can require public-space and traffic measures.[4]
Kings Day in Curaçao: FAQs
When is Kings Day in Curaçao?
Is Kings Day a day off?
Are shops and banks open?
Does public transport follow a holiday timetable?
Check the Kings Day transport timetable with the relevant operator before travelling.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Kings Day in Curaçao:
- Officiële vrije dagen op Curaçao (Nationale Feestdagen)- Gobiernu di Kòrsou, Vergunningenloket
- Arbeidsregeling 2000- Gobiernu di Kòrsou
- Koningsdag- Het Koninklijk Huis
- Vibrando: beleidsnota over evenementen op Curaçao- Gobiernu di Kòrsou
- Toespraak Gouverneur De Kort ter gelegenheid van de viering van Koningsdag 2026- Gouverneur van Curaçao
- Landsverordening Winkelsluiting- Gobiernu di Kòrsou