Festivities are held all over the country, including fairs and public markets. Every year on 4 May at eight o'clock in the evening, the nation stops for two minutes' silence in remembrance of the victims of all wars since the beginning of the Second World War. Remembrance services are held around the country. Flags are flown at half-mast. Liberation Day 5 May marks the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation in 1945.
Liberation day is a public holiday once every five years.
Foto Rien Zilvold Saint Nicholas' Day 5 december is Saint Nicholas' Day. St. Nicholas is the legendary children's friend with a white beard and a bishop's habit. On his saint's day, children are given presents and sweets. New Year Contrary to practice in most countries, the Dutch celebrate the New Year with an abundance of fireworks. The first of January is a public holiday.