The Leiden-Relief-Festival is an annual event held in Leiden, Netherlands, commemorating the end of the Siege of Leiden by Spanish forces during the Eighty Years' War. This festival, known locally as "Leidens Ontzet," celebrates the city's liberation on October 3, 1574, which was a pivotal moment in Dutch history.
The siege began on May 31, 1574, when Spanish troops under the command of Francisco de Valdez attempted to capture Leiden, a city known for its resistance to Spanish rule. The city's defense was led by William the Silent, who, in an attempt to relieve the city, ordered the opening of the dikes to flood the surrounding lands, a strategy known as the Inundation of Leiden. This flooding eventually allowed the Dutch fleet, commanded by Admiral Boys, to sail towards the city, leading to the lifting of the siege.
After the siege was lifted, Leiden was in dire straits, with widespread hunger and disease. The city's survival was seen as a miracle, and the citizens were allowed to choose between tax relief or the establishment of a university. They chose the latter, leading to the founding of the Leiden University in 1575, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands.
The Leiden-Relief-Festival not only marks a significant historical event but also reinforces Dutch national identity, celebrating themes of freedom, resilience, and communal solidarity. It is a day of remembrance, festivity, and community spirit.