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Leiden Travel
Illuminated fairground wheel during Leiden's Relief beside a Leiden canal at night

Leiden's Relief 2026 — 2 & 3 October

On 2 and 3 October Leiden celebrates and commemorates the lifting of the Spanish siege in 1574. The city fills with historic traditions, a large fairground, markets, music, family activities and the Grand Parade.

Plan your 3 October

Why Leiden celebrates 3 October

The siege of Leiden ended on 3 October 1574. The Sea Beggars brought herring and white bread to the starving city, while a pot of hutspot was found in an abandoned Spanish camp. These stories still shape the annual celebration.

The 3 October Association has organised the festivities since 1886. The traditional church service, herring and white bread, communal singing, parade, fairground and fireworks remain central to the event.

Plan your 2 & 3 October

Use the interactive timetable to compare activities and build your own programme. The planner opens in English.

The planner is an extra aid alongside the official programme. Check the organiser’s current times and updates before you travel.

Interactive day planner

See which activities take place at the same time and build your own schedule for Leiden’s Relief 2026.

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External planner by Herman.yt. Times may change. If the planner does not work well on your device, open it in a new tab.

Friday 2 October

  • From 12:00: market and large fairground in the city centre.
  • 12:00–22:00: nostalgic fairground at Pieterskerkplein.
  • 14:00–18:00: Toekomstkermis (future fair) at PLNT.
  • 17:00–18:30: the traditional Hutspot Meal at Hooglandse Kerkgracht for registered association members.
  • 19:30–21:30: the Taptoe parade through Leiden.

Saturday 3 October

  • 07:00: Reveille, followed by the distribution of herring and white bread and communal singing from 08:00.
  • 10:00–11:15: free commemorative service at Pieterskerk.
  • 10:00–13:30: free children's square and street theatre at Garenmarktplein.
  • 13:00–16:00: Grand Parade ‘Hear, See and Taste’ through the city centre.
  • 23:15: flyboard show near Ankerpark and Zijlsingel, followed by the closing pyromusical from 23:30 to 23:45.

Plan your visit

  • Travel by train to Leiden Centraal; many city-centre streets are closed to cars.
  • Many public traditions are free, while food, drinks and fairground rides are paid separately.
  • Expect very large crowds and book accommodation well in advance.
  • Always check the official programme shortly before your visit for changes.

Frequently asked questions

When is Leiden's Relief in 2026?
The main celebrations take place on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026.
Is Leiden's Relief free?
Many public traditions, the parade and family activities are free. Food, drinks and fairground rides are paid separately.
How should I travel to the celebration?
Train is the easiest option. Leiden Centraal is within walking distance and many central streets are closed to cars.

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