May 4th and May 5th are two very important days in the Netherlands. On the 4th of May, the Dutch commemorate those who lost their lives in World War II. As part of the commemoration on the 4th at 20:00 everyone in the Netherlands participates in a two-minute moment of silence. If you are on the road, it is common practice to stop your car in the emergency lane to remember those who lost their lives during the war.

On the 5th of May Liberation Day is celebrated among the Dutch, normally with many festivities hosted across the country.

These liberation day festivals feature both Dutch and international artists and are especially popular with the younger generation. On the evening of the 5th, there is also a concert that takes place in the presence of the royal family and members of the government.