Opening of the Parliamentary Year in the Netherlands

Binnenhof. Parliament and Prime Minister's Office in The HagueAnother Dutch national holiday is the annual opening of the Parliamentary Year (Prinsjesdag) in The Hague.

The festival begins with the solemn departure of Queen Beatrix in a golden carriage accompanied by an honorary escort.

The Queen, accompanied by high-ranking government officials, rides in a golden carriage from the Noordeinde Palace to the Binnenhof Houses of Parliament.

In the Knights Hall (Ridderzaal) it opens the work of the Dutch Parliament. The festival continues with folk festivities.