All kinds of festivals erupt across the Netherlands during the month May. Kicking off on the 5th of May is Bevrijdingsdag, a country-wide celebration of freedom.
The word “bevrijden” means to liberate, so Bevrijdingsdag is a celebration of the day the peace was signed that would end World War II in the Netherlands. I am lucky enough to live near the town of Wageningen where the actual paperwork was done, so I knew Bevrijdingsdag in Wageningen would be something to look forward to.
The evening before Bevrijdingsdag is called Dodenherdenking. Where Bevrijdingsdag is a raucous celebration of freedom, the night before is a sombre reminder of those who died in World War II. At 20:00 that evening the whole country comes to a halt with three minutes of silence. The people in my town of Bennekom gathered around the plantsoen (public gardens) in the town centre where they placed flowers and spent the silence in community. All radio and television broadcasts stopped for three minutes as Holland remembered.
The next day the Bevrijdingsfestival in Wageningen started with a procession of veterans in military gear and cars. It was great seeing these old survivors smiling and waving at the crowds. Personally it really brought the depth of the Dutch experience of World War II home to me, and with it, a more thorough understanding of the Dutch love of history.
It’s a trait I am noticing more and more as I interact with Dutch people. From the beautiful old Singer sewing machine displayed in the corner of a friend’s house, to the myriad antique stores in the area and my neighbour who lovingly restores old caravans. It seems to me that the Dutch love history. As a result – or maybe it’s the cause of it – many museums dot the country.
One museum anyone new to the country should definitely try and experience is the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum (Open Air Museum) in Arnhem. The museum is a stroll though history which puts many things into perspective. Since living here I have been wondering a lot about for example Dutch architecture. Also the development of water canals and molens (mills) and the role farming, fishing, milk and water plays in this interesting country. The Openluchtmuseum is a crash course in the Dutch Way of Living. And a great way to spend a sunny day.
But back to the Bevrijdingsfestival in Wageningen. The procession of veterans and active forces was followed by a spectacular music festival. Six stages were set up in town with all of them catering for radically different music genres. A crack-beat trance stage rubbed shoulders with the big-band blues stage. A pop stage next to the heavy metals stage. For me this illustrated the essence of the Dutch concept of freedom – the acceptance of expression and diversity. That night on the news the festivals across the country were shown celebrating this spirit of freedom in grand style.
The festival season doesn’t stop at the end of May. Coming up on the festival calendar is a long list of events that sound absolutely spectacular. Apart from Pinkpop (which must be one of the oldest and most well-known festivals in Holland), other famous festivals in Holland include Lowlands and Highlands. Plus literally dozens of others, like the annual LEEFfestival street theatre where I volunteer. So whatever your interest or taste, there’s a festival or happening for you to enjoy or get involved with should you want to meet new people. A very useful website which features all the info, breaking news and tickets is Festival Info for festivals across Holland and the rest of Europe.
Summer in Holland is the time to get outdoors, to enjoy the long daylight hours and to revel in nature and music. For anyone new it’s a great time to get to know the lighter, fun, sociable side of Dutch people.
Tags: expat life, Liberation Day, Remembrance, World War II
Another informative and well-written post!
Thanks for your input and keep up the good work!