When is Liberation Day?
In 2026, Liberation Day falls on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. It is classified here as a Dutch public holiday.
History of Liberation Day
Liberation Day, Bevrijdingsdag, marks the end of the German occupation in the Netherlands in 1945. The date follows the country’s May 4 remembrance and turns reflection into a public celebration of freedom, democracy and human rights.
The government recognises May 5 as a national holiday every year, even though not every collective agreement grants paid leave annually. Liberation festivals take place around the country, beginning with a national opening in a different province each year and the lighting of the freedom flame. It is a holiday that keeps history close to present-day civic responsibility.
German forces in the Netherlands surrendered in May 1945, and May 5 became the annual national celebration of freedom. It is officially a public holiday every year, not only once every five years. The persistent five-year idea comes from employment practice: many collective labour agreements grant a paid day off only in lustrum years divisible by five, while others provide different or annual arrangements.
How Liberation Day is observed
An official national public holiday on May 5. Whether employees receive paid leave is set by their collective agreement or contract.
Traditions of Liberation Day
Community practice
Fourteen Liberation Festivals combine music with debates, human-rights organisations and activities about freedom and democratic responsibility. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Living tradition
The 5 May lecture and national opening move between provinces, linking the historical anniversary with current questions about liberty. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Planning and participation
Freedom ambassadors travel between festivals, while the liberation flame is carried from Wageningen to ceremonies across the country. Its exact form varies among Dutch municipalities, communities and households.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Government of the Netherlands holiday guidance. Collective agreements and employer policies determine whether some public holidays are paid days off.
History sources: Government of the Netherlands: public holidays, Government of the Netherlands: Liberation Day, Royal House of the Netherlands: King’s Day.
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