Leiden (NL) - Leidens ontzet

Leiden Ontzet, also known as the Liberation of Leiden, is an annual city festival celebrated on 3 October to commemorate the liberation of the Dutch city of Leiden from Spanish siege in 1574. It is one of the oldest and most important folk festivals in the Netherlands and combines historical remembrance with exuberant celebration.

The festival commemorates the events during the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), in which the Netherlands fought for its independence from Spanish rule. In 1574, the city of Leiden was besieged by Spanish troops for months and the population suffered from a terrible famine.

Salvation came when William of Orange and his ‘Watergeuzen’ (a kind of privateer) implemented a daring plan. They pierced the dykes in the surrounding area to flood the surrounding polder areas. A stormy night on 2 October 1574 helped to flush the floodwaters close to the city. Faced with the rising water, the Spanish troops were forced to abandon the siege and flee. On the morning of 3 October, the starving inhabitants found the city deserted.

The Geuzen came to Leiden across the water and were the first to bring relief supplies of herring and white bread to the hungry citizens. According to legend, the first explorers found a pot of stew in an abandoned Spanish camp, made from the few remaining vegetables: carrots, onions and parsnips. This stew became known as hutspot.

Today, 3 October is an official holiday in Leiden, and the celebrations often begin on the evening of 2 October. The traditions of that time have been preserved to this day:

- Herring and white bread: On the morning of 3 October, the inhabitants gather in front of the city centre to receive their ration of herring and white bread. This commemorates the rescue by the Geuzen.

- Hutspot meal: On the eve of the festival, many Leiden residents gather to eat hutspot together, in memory of the stew found in the abandoned camp.

- Historical parade: A large historical parade, known as the ‘Grote Optocht’, winds its way through the city in the afternoon. It features historical scenes, floats and marching bands re-enacting the events of 1574.

- Memorial service: On the morning of 3 October, a memorial ceremony is traditionally held in the Pieterskerk (St Peter's Church) to commemorate the victims of the siege.

In addition to these historical customs, Leidens Ontzet is also a large folk festival. The entire city centre is transformed into a huge fairground with rides, stalls, live stages and parties. The celebrations end on the evening of 3 October with spectacular fireworks over the water, symbolising the flooding of the polders that enabled the city to be saved.

The funfair is a central part of Leidens Ontzet and contributes significantly to the lively festive atmosphere. It is not a funfair in a single location, but is spread across various squares in the city centre.

The main locations of the funfair are:

- Lunapark: This is the largest and most modern funfair. Here you will find the big and fast attractions, such as roller coasters and thrill rides.

- Nostalgic funfair: This funfair, often found on Pieterskerkplein, offers a more traditional experience with older rides and classic fairground games.

The fair usually starts on 2 October and lasts until the evening of 3 October. In addition to the large rides, there are countless stalls with games, snacks and drinks, creating a lively, festive atmosphere throughout the city centre.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train - Leiden Centraal station (distance 400 m)

By car:

- Venue: Molenwerf

Parking:

- Lammermarkt car park (Lammermarkt 20P)

- Dirk Langegracht car park (Langegracht 3)

- Morspoort Leiden car park (Bloemfonteinstraat 2)