Tips for Liberation Day 2024
Following directly on from Herdenkingsdag (Remembrance Day), 5 May is a national day of celebration known as Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day). Throughout Amsterdam, you will find various entertainment and events to commemorate the liberation of The Netherlands during World War II. With these top tips, celebrate freedom, human rights, and life in general during Liberation Day 2024.
Memorial
At 20:00 on Saturday, 4 May, the whole country will pause for two minutes of silence to remember the victims of the Second World War and subsequent conflicts. Flags across the country will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset and various speakers give speeches as people come together to commemorate. The National Commemoration takes place at the National Monument on Dam Square. After 20:00, members of the Dutch royal family will lay wreaths here for war victims.
Two minutes silence | Saturday 4 May, 20:00 | find a memorial near you
Liberation festivals and parties
Freedom should be celebrated, and the Dutch will do it big on 5 May. There are 12 cities in the Netherlands organising a large (and free-to-attend) Liberation Festival. Amsterdam and Haarlem are two of them. Amsterdam has Het Vrije Westen in Westerpark on 5 May, featuring food trucks, a silent disco and live music. Haarlem has Bevrijdingspop, featuring a massive lineup of Kraantje Pappie, Chef’Special, Wende and Danny Vera, among others, followed by the afterparty Ons Huis at Patronaat. At Liberté Liberté in Lofi, you are invited to dance, be yourself and celebrate liberation together. In Paradiso, kick off Liberation Day the night before (Saturday, 4 May at 11:59 PM) for Liberation Dance, with techno and house music.
Het Vrije Westen | Sunday, 5 May, 14:00 - 23:00 | Westerpark, Amsterdam | free
Bevrijdingspop | Sunday, 5 May, 12.00 - 00.00 | Haarlemmerhout Park, Haarlem | free
Freedom meals
You can sit down for a so-called Freedom Meal throughout the city, a worthy tradition for 12 years. On squares and stages, in streets and parks all over Amsterdam.
- Head to the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple on the Zeedijk for spring rolls, stir-fried noodles and soup (Sunday, 5 May, 12:30 – 2:00) | free | more information
- Swing by the Heesterveld Creative Community in Zuidoost for a picnic, conversations, art and music (Sunday, 5 May, 12:00 – 16:00 | free (register in advance) | more information
- Visit Lola Luid in Nieuw-West for meals made from rescued vegetables from the neighbourhood, live music and workshops organised by local talents | Sunday 5 May, 12:00 – 17:00 | more information
Freedom soup at the Iamsterdam Store
Visit the I amsterdam Store between 9:00 and 12:00 to pick up your own can of Freedom Soup. YouTube chef Nick Toet has provided the recipe this year; all you have to do is bring a can, heat it up and preferably share it with others to celebrate freedom together!
Iamsterdam Store | Sunday 5 May, 09:00 – 12:00 | De Ruijterkade 28 | free
Concerts and culture
You'll find plenty of musical and cultural events taking place across the city. Don't miss the Ukrainian Folk Music Ensemble Uzory performing a Liberation Day concert in the Luther Museum. During the May Days at Plein '40-'45, participate in various activities organised by cultural makers from the area. And the Free 5 May concert is on the Amstel as a festive finale.
