As spring finally unfolds across the Northern Hemisphere, the Dutch are breaking out of their winter blues at the King's Day (Koningsdag) Festival , donning lots of orange, and celebrating in the streets to mark the reigning monarch’s birthday and to welcome warmer weather.

On April 30, 2013 Holland welcomed its first male monarch since 1890: King Willem-Alexander. This succession means many changes for the festival of course, including the fact that what was formerly known as Queen's Day will have a new name, a new date and a new significance. In a city known for its "anything goes" party vibe, this annual event is the wildest 24 hours of the year. While the laws are more than tolerant the other 364 days, rules practically don't exist on this day as police are strictly forbidden to intervene in the festivities.

Why orange? The flag of the Netherlands is red, white and blue, but orange is the color of the royal family and most everyone embraces this bright, happy color, which is welcome after a long, gray winter. Even the flags are adorned with a mini­-flag of orange.

We've gathered the best orange-laced photos of King's Day from recent years to give you an idea of how orange-obsessed the Dutch on this monarchical birthday celebration.

Photos by I Amsterdam