Leiden Festival
04th October 2008
Each year, the people of Leiden celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of their city from the Spanish in 1574. The celebrations (known as 'Leidens Ontzet') often go on for a week, but always gather pace in the final couple of days and reach a climax on the day itself, 3 October, which was the day in 1574 when the siege ended. After the siege, the starving townsfolk feasted on 'Hutspot' (a traditional dish of potatoes, carrots and onions), and on herrings and bread, and these dishes still provide the traditional staple of the festival. Music, dance and cultural events take place in many establishments, and the usually tranquil town centre becomes a fairground and an open-air party, where eating, drinking, costume pageantry and carnival-style celebrations fill the air.
