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Get ready to celebrate freedom and peace on Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) on May 5! This important holiday is celebrated in the Netherlands to commemorate the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. On this day, people gather together for festivals, parades, and concerts while reflecting on the sacrifices made for their country's liberation. It's a day to honor and remember those who fought for their freedom and express gratitude for the peace they have today. So let's join in on the festivities and spread positivity and unity on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944 - 1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Operation Market Garden</div><div class='timeline-text'>This Allied operation aimed to liberate the Netherlands from German control but ended in failure. It set the stage for subsequent liberation efforts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Liberation by Canadian Forces</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 5, 1945, Canadian General Charles Foulkes and German Commander-in-Chief Johannes Blaskowitz reached an agreement for German forces to surrender in the Netherlands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Bevrijdingsdag Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Liberation Day was celebrated a year after the end of World War II, marking the beginning of an annual tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bevrijdingsdag Becomes Public Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1990, it was decided to hold a national holiday every five years to celebrate the liberation. Canadians are often included due to their role in liberating the Netherlands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual National Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Liberation Day celebrations became an annual event in 2000, with activities and remembrance services held throughout the Netherlands.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold parades to celebrate Liberation Day. Check your local news or event listings to find out where and when the parade will take place, and make plans to attend with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a BBQ</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a BBQ to celebrate Liberation Day. Prepare traditional Dutch dishes like Bitterballen, Frikandel, or Kroketten, and enjoy the day together in the warm weather.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in the Netherlands put on spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate Liberation Day. Find out where the nearest one is and make plans to watch it with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about the history of Liberation Day by visiting a war museum. Many museums offer free admission on this day and have special exhibits and events to commemorate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a charity run</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many charity runs are held on Liberation Day, with proceeds going towards honoring those who fought for freedom during World War II. Sign up for a race and run for a good cause while celebrating this important holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates a significant event in history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Liberation Day, also known as Bevrijdingsdag, marks the end of World War II and the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. It is an important reminder of the sacrifices made and the bravery shown by those who fought for freedom during that time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates peace and freedom</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, people come together to celebrate the values of peace and freedom. It serves as a reminder to always strive for these ideals and to never take them for granted. Liberation Day honors the past while also looking towards a peaceful future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters unity and solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Liberation Day brings people from all over the Netherlands together to commemorate their shared history and values. It is a day where differences are put aside and everyone can come together to celebrate their common love for freedom and peace.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Flame of Freedom Travels Through the Country</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year on Liberation Day, the "Flame of Freedom" is lit in Wageningen and then carried throughout the various Liberation Festivals in the country. This relay race symbolizes the continuation of freedom.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over a Million People Attend Liberation Day Festivals</h3><p class='facts-content'>Liberation Day Festivals occur in 14 locations across the Netherlands attracting over a million attendees every year. These festivals feature music performances, speeches, and parades.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Every Year Has an Ambassador of Freedom</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year an "Ambassador of Freedom" is selected, typically a Dutch musician or band, who performs at various festivals throughout the Netherlands, reaching venues via helicopter.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Liberation Concert is Broadcasted Nationally</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year on May 5th, Amsterdam hosts the Liberation Concert on the Amstel River. The concert is attended by the Royal Family and broadcasted live on national television.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freedom Meals Stimulate Conversation</h3><p class='facts-content'>During "Freedom Meals" (Vrijheidsmaaltijden), people gather to share food and engage in conversations about freedom and other fundamental human rights, bringing people from different backgrounds together.</p></div></div>
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) is celebrated on May 5 every year. In 2024, Liberation Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
May 5
Friday
2024
May 5
Sunday
2025
May 5
Monday
2026
May 5
Tuesday
2027
May 5
Wednesday
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