04/05/2026
4th of May - Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a moment in The Netherlands to honor and remember those who lost their lives during World War II, as well as those who have fallen into subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Two minutes of silence
At 8 pm on May 4th the entire nation observes two minutes of silence.
During ths time, public transportation halts, and people pause whatever they are doing to reflect silently. It’s a moment of unity and respect.
Across the country, ceremonies are held at monuments, war memorials, and cemetries. Officials, veterans, and civilians lay wreaths as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.
Dutch flags are flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the fallen.
HAARLEM - May 4th
6 pm A solemn ceremony begins in the St. Bavo Church at Grote Markt with an organ performance by organist Anton Pauw.
7.10 pm Silent march from St. Bavo Church, Grote Markt, to the monument at the Dreef.
OTHER COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES in HAARLEM
At the resistance monument on Jan Gijzenbrug, the war monument ‘The Mourning Woman’ on Westergracht, and the monument in Burgemeester Reinaldapark.
MEMORIAL CONCERT
Right after the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Dreef, the annual Memorial Concert takes place in the Haarlemmerhout.
This free concert brings together music and storytelling in a meaningful way. As tradition goes, the Kennemer Youth Orchestra plays a central role.
