Remembrance Day 2026 in the Netherlands

Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking), on May 4, is an annual observance in the Netherlands that remembers those who died during war and in peace-keeping operations. It is the day before Liberation Day.

Is Remembrance Day a Public Holiday?

Remembrance Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

Observe Remembrance Day

Remembrance gatherings are held throughout the Netherlands. Every year, people dedicate two minutes of silence at 8pm (local time) on May 4 to pay their respects to soldiers and civilians who died during World War II, as well as other military conflicts and peace-keeping missions. Wreaths are laid at various places, such as the National War Memorial in Amsterdam.

Public Life

Remembrance Day is an annual observance and not a public holiday in the Netherlands.

About Remembrance Day

The first Remembrance Day was held on Amsterdam's Dam Square in 1945, according to some sources, while others claim that it was observed for the first time on May 4, 1946. On the following day, May 5, the country celebrates Liberation Day.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.