Leiden's Ontzet
Leiden's 'Ontzet' ('relief') refers to the liberation of Leiden city on the 3rd October 1574 from the Spanish forces.
It has been commemorated every year since, with celebrations throughout the city. A range of activities and events take place during this time, starting from the 1st October and continuing until the 3rd!
These include a Lunapark funfair, a street theatre festival, a large parade, a memorial service in St. Pieterskerk, and the traditional presentation of herring and white bread (the same food that was offered to the starving citizens after the 1574 relief). The wide variety of activities means that you can be sure there will be something that the whole family can find to enjoy throughout the Ontzet!
Activities
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Taptoe
Taptoe
Learn more about the taptoe.The 'taptoe' takes place on the 2nd October, and is a parade of different associations in Leiden. It begins at Kaasmarkt at 19:30 and ends at Geregracht around 21:30, after making its across Leiden! This means that you can stop by at various points on the route to watch the procession and enjoy the music and sights.
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Lunapark
Lunapark
Learn more about LunaparkLunapark is a large fair that opens from the 1st October - 3rd October, and winds its way throughout Leiden city centre - so feel free to wander through the Leiden city to explore all corners of the fairground. There will be a variety of different rides and attractions, including a ferris wheel, a haunted house, a maze, and some rollercoasters!
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Festive Market
Festive Market
Learn more about the festive market.Beginning on the 1st October and ending on the 3rd, there will be a festive market throughout Leiden city centre, with many clothes, foods, and other festive items to buy!
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Grand Parade
Grand Parade
Every 3 October Leiden celebrates with a big parade through the city. The Grand Parade takes you via the Relief, the founding of the University and the Masquerade to Leiden and surroundings.
The history
Between 1568 and 1648, the Netherlands and Spain were in the Eighty Years War. When religious freedom was restricted in 1572, Leiden sided with William of Orange and his Sea Beggars who wanted to make the Netherlands an independent republic.
In 1573 the Spanish Duke of Alva decided to besiege Leiden. It ended after a few months, but they soon returned with more men. After many months, the situation became dire. The citizens of Leiden were starved and the plague had also killed thousands. Just when the famine was at its worst and the people of Leiden were about to surrender, they found a way to contact William of Orange through carrier pigeons. Hope was restored.
William of Orange joined the Sea Beggars, who were moored near Leiden with their fleet of flat-bottomed boats. They pierced the dikes of Holland, causing the land around Leiden to flood and parts of the city wall to collapse. On the night of October 2nd, the Spaniards decided to flee, and left in such a rush that a bronze cooking pot filled with hutspot (a stew of beef, carrots and onions) was left behind.
On October 3rd, the Beggars sailed into the city, bringing herring and white bread for the starving citizens of Leiden. The city had been finally liberated.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Leiden's Ontzet and the full programme planned, you can visit the website of 3rd October.
Kit Yourself Out In Red & White
The city of Leiden's colors are red and white, and during the Ontzet, the entire city will be transformed by these colors! If you'd like to join in the celebrations, why not visit our tourist office at Stationsweg 26 to kit yourself in red and white—from socks and scarves to bags, hats, and more!
Tourist Information Office
Accessibility During the Ontzet
During the Ontzet there may be several delays or diversions if you are travelling by car or public transport. Some roads will be closed due to the festivities, and buses may have different routes or be cancelled altogether. These disruptions will last from the 27th September until the 5th October.
More information about public transport
Discover what to do - A selection of activities accessible to English speakers
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