Regional/Cultural Day
Bevrijdingsdag
The Liberation Day is the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation on May 5, 1945. The celebration includes free concerts in 14 cities across the Netherlands, and the tradition is to attend a concert, wave a flag, and celebrate freedom. The Liberation Day is not just about the past. It is about the present, and the message is that freedom is not a given, it must be defended. The concerts are free, and the lineup includes the biggest Dutch and international artists. The day is also marked by the tradition of the "vrijheid maaltijd" (freedom meal), where communities come together to share a meal and discuss the meaning of freedom. The Dutch celebrate with a sense of gratitude and a sense of responsibility.