Nel (67), born and raised in Utrecht, has been wearing the same royal outfit on King’s Day for about twenty years. This makes her feel like Utrecht’s queen for a day.
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“What an honor,” says Nel. “I’ve been wearing the same dress for years. I once made it for an orange evening at carnival. The dress has been around for about twenty years. You don’t want to know how many people photograph me, even secretly or even with telephoto lenses.”
Has the outfit ever broken in twenty years?
“Never”
What do you think of all that attention?
“Of course it’s funny. I sell all kinds of junk and stuff, and the dress attracts attention. People often stay a little longer to buy something.”
So it’s also a marketing strategy?
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“Yes Yes Yes! And it’s King’s Day, when else do you dress up these days?”
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What compliments do you receive on King’s Day?
“There are a lot of them, people think it is beautiful and royal. Some address me with majesty. It’s a holiday, so everyone is happy. Especially when the sun is shining. Everyone is always positive. I also take endless photos with tourists, I do that with everyone: it doesn’t matter to me.”
I take pictures endlessly with tourists, I do that with everyone: it doesn’t matter to me
What do you sell on the flea market?
“My daughter-in-law is very creative, she makes her own soap. This year we painted candles to sell. But I always say to everyone: sell things that you actually want to throw away. We are there for our pleasure. And don’t ask for the top prize. It’s all for a piece of cake. We don’t have expensive things that cost ten euros or something. With us everything is between 25 euro cents and 2 euros. My son likes bartering. He then has a tea cup and goes to exchange a few stalls further. It’s just our party.”
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Where can we find you on the flea market?
“We are always in the same place on Adelaarstraat. At the mill opposite the Irish pub. Near the snack bar. We live on Lauwerecht, so we can unload things by bike and we can just go to the toilet. When I was 11 years old I went to live with my parents on Lauwerecht and I still live there with my husband.”
What do you like most about King’s Day?
“That you meet so many old acquaintances. That’s the best part, when everyone knows where you stand. Everyone comes to have a chat. But also people you normally never talk to or who never talk to you; on King’s Day you chat with everyone. And of course getting rid of all that old stuff, that remains the sport. As little as possible goes home with you.
Who is the next Utrecht of the week?
Do you also have a special story? Or do you know a Utrecht resident who we really should interview? Let us know via [email protected]. Many Utrecht residents preceded you. These Utrecht residents preceded you.
