Liberation Day in Rotterdam - history, date, location, info

HAPPENING ON 5 MAY | Every year on the fifth of May, people in the Netherlands celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, marking the end of Nazi occupation during World War II. It is also a nice day to visit one of the 14 official festivals which take place all over the country. 

The day marks the end of Nazi occupation during the Second World War and asks a simple question that still feels urgent: what does freedom mean today? Across the country, fourteen official Liberation Festivals take place on 5 May. Rotterdam hosts Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland, the official Liberation Festival for the province of South Holland.

Dodenherdenking, May 4th (Remembrance Day)

The festive events on May fifth are always preceded by 'Dodenherdenking' on May fourth. On this day, at exactly 20:00, two minutes of silence are observed by media, offices, restaurants and stores in honour of the people who gave and lost their lives during World War II and War in general. Don't be surprised if they suddenly cut the music in a bar or stop tending tables in a café. 

Bevrijdingsdag, May 5th (Liberation Day)

The Netherlands was liberated on May 5th, 1945 when German commander Johannes Blaskowitz agreed to surrender. The official capitulation document was signed the next day at the university auditorium in the city of the Wageningen. This was almost five years to the day after Rotterdam was levelled by Nazi bombers in 1940. 

Liberation Day is a workday for most

Bevrijdingsdag is an official national holiday in the Netherlands, but that does not automatically mean everyone gets the day off. In 2026, 5 May is not one of the five-year milestone years in which many collective labour agreements grant a paid day off. Whether you are free depends on your employer, contract or cao. Schools are usually closed, but parents and students should always check with their school. 

Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid Holland celebrated in Rotterdam

Liberation Festival (Bevrijdingsfestival) Rotterdam

On Tuesday 5 May 2026, Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland returns to Het Park in Rotterdam, at the foot of the Euromast. The festival runs from 12:30 until 23:00 and is free to attend.

The festival site can be reached via the Kievitslaan/Parklaan entrance. Parking nearby is limited, so organisers recommend arriving on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

From Rotterdam Central Station, you can take tram 8 towards Spangen or tram 18 towards Droogleever Fortuynplein and get off at Kievitslaan. You can also take metro line D or E and get off at Leuvehaven, followed by a short walk to the park.

Official 2026 line-up

Erasmus Stage

Josephine Ohdil
Reanny
NoizBoiz
Bird Experience
Jett Rebel
Zoë Tauran
Mula B
Lucas & Steve
La Fuente

Sena Performers Stage

Thrilled
Babette Swinkels
Jesse Hoefnagels
Giegs
Langa
Yssi SB
Maria Iskariot
Ben Diggins
Moody Mehran
Lisa Korver

Vrijheids / Jongeren Podium

The festival also features a Vrijheids / Jongeren Podium, with acts and programmes focused on youth culture, freedom and reflection.

Ambassador of Freedom 2026

La Fuente is the 2026 Ambassador of Freedom for Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland. In the run-up to 5 May, he explored the theme of freedom through conversations with people who know what it means to lack a fixed place of their own, including current and former homeless people.

Practical information

Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland is free to enter. The event takes place in Het Park, close to the Euromast, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors over the course of the day. Expect queues at peak times and check the official festival website before travelling, especially if the weather forecast is unsettled.

For more information on the live performances and special events, be sure to check out the official website for Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland. 

Directions to Bevrijdingsfestival Zuid-Holland