I will be in Amsterdam for both of these holidays (May 4 & 5) and understand there will be large public celebrations/concerts/etc. on these days and nights. From what I've read, Vondel Park is the focal point for much of it. Please correct me if I am wrong :)
Just wondering if these days are as crowded and as busy as King's Day?
Thanks!
Traditionally the Remembrance commemorations included military parades and graveyard services. Time takes its toll so the old liberating troops who were the centre of the ceremonies in some cities have passed on. It is hard for this tourist to know quite what to expect. But yes, Liberation Day is certainly a celebration.
I think you’re confusing May 4 and May 5 with Kingsday. On April 27, Kingsday, there is a huge flea market in Vondelpark. I’m not aware of any ceremony or celebration in the Vondelpark on May 4 or May 5.
In 2 separate threads I already wrote a lengthy explanation about May 4 and May 5. I won’t copy it here again, but you can read it here; https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/rescheduled-trip-seeking-itinerary-feedback
That post also includes the link to more information about May 4 and May 5 in Amsterdam.
Thanks for the reply. From a distance, with no experience of the beautiful country, I can only go with the postings on the sponsoring sites like this to show me what it might be like:
https://4en5meiamsterdam.nl/sprekers-4-en-5-mei-2024/
It does look like quite a large celebration/remembrance:
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/remembrance-liberation-day/liberation-day-tips
https://www.4en5mei.nl/vieren/bevrijdingsfestivals/
I’m not sure how to convince you, but May 4 and May 5 will have very little to no impact on your stay in Amsterdam. Yes, there are ceremonies on May 4 and festivities on May 5, but they are heavily concentrated in one single area. On May 4 that’s Dam Square where the official nationwide 2 minutes silence at 8pm takes place. On May 5 it’s the river Amstel in front of Carré where the Liberation Day concert is held in the evening on a floating podium. In other parts of the city you won’t notice a single thing.
Thanks, Dutch Traveler!
Thanks for correcting me here. This is a wonderful group and I appreciate your wise comments. Can't wait to experience it all first hand.
