National Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking)

Freedom is a huge part of the Dutch culture and this day pays a tribute to all those who gave their lives for it. On Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day), a royal memorium is presented by the king and the queen at the Dam square. Another important tradition is holding a two-minute silence to commemorate the victims of war. Celebrations of freedom continue into the next day with the lighting of the “liberation flame” at midnight. This marks the start of the more jovial Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day).

READ MORE | All you need to know about National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands

Freedom is a huge part of the Dutch culture and this day pays a tribute to all those who gave their lives for it. On Dodenherdenking (Remembrance Day), a royal memorium is presented by the king and the queen at the Dam square. Another important tradition is holding a two-minute silence to commemorate the victims of war. Celebrations of freedom continue into the next day with the lighting of the “liberation flame” at midnight. This marks the start of the more jovial Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day).

READ MORE | All you need to know about National Remembrance Day in the Netherlands