Hello Going Expat people,
It is time to talk about Remembrance and Liberation Day in the Netherlands.
In fact, also this country has been victim of the evil Nazism and all the horrible consequences which came from there, therefore dedicating a day to remember who died for the right cause and another to celebrate freedom, 80 years of freedom this 2025, is needed.
Especially if we think about what is going on in the world, we might realise how important freedom his and how being liberated shaped our future, a future of possibilities that otherwise we wouldn’t have, our parents and grandparents wouldn’t have; shall we start to give more importance again to this day and its meaning? I think so.
Let’s go back to where we start, Liberation Day in the Netherlands, and let’s have a look at when and what.
The 5th of May is the day
Every year on the 5thMay , the Netherlands celebrates Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day), although it is celebrated every year, it is public holidays only once every 5. Last time it was in 2020, not a fun one as you might recall it was during covid era, and finally this 2025, we are free to celebrate it properly, but how do the Dutch honour and remember this important date?
Keep on reading to know…
One step back, the day before is Remembrance Day
Liberation Day is deeply connected to the 4th of Ma, known as Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day), when the country pauses to remember all Dutch civilians and soldiers who have died in wars and peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II. It is a day full of emotions, the Royal family and a representative of the Government attend a mass in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam and a ceremony in Dam Square is followed by 2 minutes of silent at 20:00 (8:00PM)
A Brief History
On the 5th of May 1945, the German forces in the Netherlands officially surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending five harrowing years of occupation. The liberation was led by Canadian forces, supported by British, American, Polish, and other Allied troops.
How the Dutch Celebrate Liberation Day
Liberation Day is a rich cultural experience throughout the Netherlands. While the ceremonies happen every year, the day is given as holidays only each 5 years. The festivities typically include:
Liberation Festivals (Bevrijdingsfestivals): Held in cities across the country, these events feature music, art, and speeches that celebrate freedom and democracy. Top Dutch artists perform, and the message of peace is at the forefront.
Freedom Meals (Vrijheidsmaaltijden): Communities and organizations host meals that bring people together from all walks of life to reflect on what freedom means to them today. But some people also organise a lunch with friends and neighbours.
The symbol of the day is a Dove with a spoon in its beak, which is indeed, the logo of the cans of vrijheidmaaltijd, normally a soup, that’s why the spoon.
At the station in Rotterdam you can see a giant one, as usual the square in front of the station is the place where to showcase of important events in the city and/or Country, Liberation Day is clearly one of them.
In general in almost all cities there are free music festival, tours and documentaries to teach what about this day and why it is so important, but also to celebrate freedom, hopefully underling that it is for everyone. No one should be deprived of it.
Do you celebrate liberation day in your country?
In Italy, for example is on the 25th of April. Looking forward to know your stories.
Rossella
Written by
Rossella Daví
