The story behind Leidens Ontzet

Every year on October 3rd, Leiden celebrates Leidens Ontzet (Leidens Liberation): a day full of festivities and traditions throughout the city. But how did this day come about and where do the traditions originate from?
 

The Siege of Leiden

During the Eighty Years' War (1568 – 1648), the Dutch population revolted against Spanish rule. Leiden sided with the rebels, led by William of Orange. As retaliation and to force them to surrender, the city was besieged by the Spanish in October 1573.

The siege was temporarily lifted when the Spanish moved towards Alkmaar, but they returned in May 1574. From that moment on, the residents of Leiden were sealed off for months without any supply of food. Thousands of people died from starvation and outbreaks of disease.

Breakthrough of the Siege

In September, William of Orange ordered the dikes around Leiden to be breached. Large parts of the surrounding land were flooded, allowing the fleet of the Watergeuzen to come closer. By early October, the water level was high enough for Leiden to be reached and the Watergeuzen arrived via the Lammenschans. There, they distributed herring and white bread to the starving population. Additionally, a pot of stew was found in the abandoned camp of the fleeing Spanish. With this, months of hunger and despair came to an end.

Annual Celebration

Since then, Leiden commemorates the liberation every year on October 3rd. The historical events are honored with the distribution of herring and white bread, the consumption of stew, and official moments of remembrance. At the same time, it is also a grand folk festival with the Reveille early in the morning, a parade, a fair, and fireworks. Leidens Ontzet is thus a combination of honouring a hard-won freedom and a celebration of urban solidarity.

Want to know more? Read the full story here.