3 Oktober Festival - Leidens Ontzet Leiden - Event

The festival kicks off on the evening of October 2 with the traditional tattoo, a military parade with music, dance and spectacular performances. On October 3, the celebration begins early in the morning with the reveille, a ceremony in which the trumpets are blown to awaken the city. A historical parade will then take place, in which the history of Leiden and the liberation in 1574 will be depicted by costumed extras and floats. This is one of the highlights of the festival and attracts thousands of spectators every year.

After the parade, the party starts at the fun fair and on the many stages in the city. There are various activities for young and old, such as music performances, street theater, sports competitions and historic markets. Herring and white bread are also traditionally eaten, in memory of the herring that was brought into the city by the Geuzen during the liberation. is visible. The festival ends with the closing of the city gates, a symbolic gesture in memory of the siege of 1574.