Liberation and Remembrance Day
Liberation and Remembrance Day
The upcoming weekend is unlike any other, with two separate, nation-wide occasions in the Netherlands.
After the Second World War ended, the government decided to separate honoring people who died in conflict and embracing the joy of being no longer imprisoned on different days. These days are called Remembrance Day (04.05) and Liberation Day (05.05).
Remembrance Day
The memorial held on May 4th is called Nationale Dodenherdenking, also known as Remembrance of the Dead in English. During this day, the Netherlands commemorates all civilians and military personnel who have died or been murdered in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or elsewhere in the world.
Make sure to mark 20:00 in your calendars as, at that time, there will be a two-minute silence to honor those who died for the Netherlands. This event will be broadcasted on television and on Dutch news websites like NOS and RTL Nieuws. Alternatively, you can attend a commemoration event yourself.
A public commemoration will be held at the Martinikerkhof, beginning at 19:15. You can enjoy music accompanied by the ringing of the Martini Tower bells. Although the ceremony will be held in Dutch, this does not make it any less interesting for fellow internationals.
After the two-minute silence, the national anthem will be played, followed by an official wreath-laying ceremony accompanied by chorale music.
Afterward, you can proceed to the Martinikerk for a cup of coffee or tea while students from the Prins Claus Conservatorium play some background music.
An important element of this occasion is hoisting a Dutch flag at half-mast from 18:00 to sunset. Public occasions and stores are expected to observe Remembrance of the Dead, which means no parties or music activities between 19:45 and 20:15. Visitors are asked to respect the two-minute silence.
Liberation Day
Liberation Day, in Dutch Bevrijdingsdag, has a more positive overtone compared to Nationale Dodenherdenking. It is celebrated on May 5th, to dignify the liberation of the Dutch from Nazi occupation in 1945. The Canadian army, with aid from the British, Polish, and American troops, brought an end to five years of severe hardship and repression.
Initially, Bevrijdingsdag was celebrated every five years. However, in 1990, it was declared a national holiday and the festivities began to take place annually.
How to celebrate it in Groningen?
As always, there are multiple ways to celebrate this day. You can expect a number of parades, music festivals and ceremonies that highlight the value of freedom and peace.
This year, on a former trotting track in Stadspark, a music festival will be held. Hosts prepared 3 stages and scheduled activities for a whole day, from 13:00 until 23:00. The entrance is free, but if you’d like to contribute, you can rent a Bath Duck and take part in a race. Total of 6,000 ducks will be launched and later collected — an unusual scene. Winners of the race will of course be receiving prizes.
For the prices and line-up, check their website here.
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