Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) – May. 5, 2027

Expected Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) Deals

Liberation Day in the Netherlands is less about commercial deals and more about remembrance and celebration. Expect museums like the Anne Frank House and the National War and Resistance Museum to see increased visitors, often offering special exhibits. Local municipalities and cultural organizations may offer free access to concerts and historical events. Many Dutch bakeries will feature traditional treats. We will update this page with confirmed live events and special commemorations as May 5 approaches.

History of Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

The Second World War began in 1939 and lasted until 1945. In 1940, the Dutch foreign policy was neutrality, as it had been for a century. The nation’s policy was to avoid international conflicts until it was attacked, a strategy that worked for them in the past. However, World War II was a different story when Nazi Germany invaded the country.

One may wonder why German forces invaded the Netherlands. Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, which led to Great Britain and France declaring a war on Germany. This event marked the beginning of World War II that would ultimately have devastating effects and destroy lives, land, and property for the next six years. The occupation of the Netherlands was part of a larger picture. Adolf Hitler’s goal was to conquer France by bypassing the French defense line at the eastern border by going through the Netherlands and Belgium. Furthermore, by occupying the Netherlands, Hitler could prevent England from setting up a base of operations there.

After being occupied for several years, in 1945, the army troops of America, Canada, Britain, and Poland entered the Netherlands from the east and succeeded in liberating the eastern and northern provinces. Ultimately, on May 5, an agreement was reached between General Charles Foulkes of the Canadian forces and the German general Johannes Blaskowitz for the surrender of the German forces at Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen. However, even after the surrender, some German troops remained on Dutch soil until May 8.

Nevertheless, that’s how Liberation Day came into being and why it is celebrated on May 5, as it marks the date of the German surrender. It is interesting to note that Liberation Day was made an annual observance only after 1990 — up until then it was observed every five years.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)