Liberation Day
Liberation Day in the Netherlands celebrates the end of World War II in Europe.
Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking), on May 4, is an annual observance in the Netherlands that remembers those who died during war and in peace-keeping operations. It is the day before Liberation Day.
Is Remembrance Day a Public Holiday?
Even though Remembrance Day falls on Saturday, May 4, 2024, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in Netherlands.
Wreaths in Amsterdam on Remembrance Day.
©iStockphoto.com/Nisangha
Observe Remembrance Day
Remembrance gatherings are held throughout the Netherlands. Every year, people dedicate two minutes of silence at 8pm (local time) on May 4 to pay their respects to soldiers and civilians who died during World War II, as well as other military conflicts and peace-keeping missions. Wreaths are laid at various places, such as the National War Memorial in Amsterdam.
Public Life
Remembrance Day is an annual observance and not a public holiday in the Netherlands.
About Remembrance Day
The first Remembrance Day was held on Amsterdam's Dam Square in 1945, according to some sources, while others claim that it was observed for the first time on May 4, 1946. On the following day, May 5, the country celebrates Liberation Day.
Remembrance Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sat | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2020 | Mon | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2021 | Tue | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2022 | Wed | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2023 | Thu | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2024 | Sat | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2025 | Sun | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2026 | Mon | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2027 | Tue | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2028 | Thu | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
| 2029 | Fri | May 4 | Remembrance Day | Observance |
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.
Elsewhere on timeanddate.com
Ascension Day
Ascension Day (hemelvaart) in the Netherlands is the 40th day of Easter and ten days before Pentecost.
Mother's Day
Mother’s Day celebrates the achievements and efforts of mothers and mother figures.
Whit Sunday
Pentecost (Pinksteren) in the Netherlands is seven weeks after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent from heaven onto Jesus' followers.