ACCESS NL > Living in the Netherlands > Dutch life and culture > What are the meanings of Remembrance of the Dead and Liberation Day?
Dutch life and culture
Can you tell me the most important things about Dutch etiquette?
Are there any Dutch traditions I should know about?
What are the public holidays in the Netherlands?
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What is King’s Day and what can I expect?
What are the meanings of Remembrance of the Dead and Liberation Day?
During the evening of 4 May each year, the Dutch commemorate civilians and members of the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the beginning of World War II. This commemoration is called Dodenherdenking (Remembrance of the Dead). There is a national ceremony at the Dam in Amsterdam where the King and Queen are present. At 20.00 there is a two-minute silence which is respected all over the country. The ceremony in Amsterdam is broadcast live.
On 5 May the Dutch celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi Germany in 1945. They understand the importance of freedom, democracy and human rights. This day is not necessarily a day off from work. If people do get the day off it depends on the agreements made by their employer and trade unions. Usually, it is agreed that employees receive a day off every five years.
Activities are organised all over the country and these differ from one town to another.
