On Monday, May 5, 2025, communities across the Netherlands will come together to celebrate Bevrijdingsdag, or Liberation Day, honoring freedom and advocating for those who still live without it. Various events are scheduled, from artistic festivals to solemn commemorations, each highlighting the significance of freedom in different ways.
In Wijchen, the Vrijheidstheaterfestival 'Tussen Kunst en Vrijheid' will take place at Museum Kasteel Wijchen starting at 11:15 AM. This festival invites the public to participate in creating a MEGA-vrijheidsrok (MEGA-freedom skirt). Through various theatrical forms, including singing, video, performance art, and poetry, attendees will be encouraged to share their stories about freedom. These narratives, along with photos, poems, and song lyrics, will be transferred onto fabric pieces to be incorporated into the MEGA-skirt. Additionally, visitors are welcome to bring their own fabric pieces to contribute to this collaborative art project. An improvisation singer will interactively celebrate freedom with attendees through music, culminating in a performance by the Wijchen POPkoor Event at 4:00 PM.
Moreover, attendees can partake in the Vrijheidsmaaltijd (Freedom Meal) between 12:00 and 1:00 PM, providing a chance to meet new faces, share stories, and deepen connections. The festival is free to enter, and the vrijheidssoep (freedom soup) will be served until supplies last. For more details, visitors can check the museum's website at www.museumwijchen.nl.
Meanwhile, in Winschoten, Amnesty International will be present at the Bevrijdingsfestival Oldambt, held at the Tramwerkplaats. This year, the organization will campaign against the death penalty imposed on Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who was sentenced to death for allegedly insulting the prophet Mohammed in his song lyrics. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign a petition advocating for the withdrawal of Sharif-Aminu's death sentence and his release. Amnesty International continues to oppose the death penalty globally and urges Nigerian authorities to reconsider their stance.
On the same day, Sportclub Reeuwijk will uphold a cherished tradition by retrieving the Bevrijdingsvuur (Liberation Fire) from Wageningen, bringing it back to Reeuwijk through a relay run. Runners are expected to arrive at the Sportclub Reeuwijk clubhouse around 9:00 AM before proceeding to the 'Boze Vogel' war monument on Thorbeckelaan, where the fire will be officially handed over to Mayor Petra Grauss at 10:00 AM. The Bevrijdingsvuur, lit annually from May 4 to 5 in Wageningen—the city where the capitulation was signed in 1945—symbolizes the flame of freedom spread throughout the Netherlands. This year, the 'Boze Vogel' monument, which commemorates the victims of war and violence, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of freedom, resistance against oppression, and the collective memory of those who suffered.
As the day unfolds, communities across the Netherlands will not only celebrate their freedom but also reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by others. Events like the Vrijheidstheaterfestival, the Amnesty campaign, and the relay run for the Bevrijdingsvuur collectively emphasize that freedom is a right that must be cherished and fought for. Each event offers a unique perspective on what freedom means, urging participants to remember the past while actively engaging in the present.
In Wijchen, the artistic collaboration at the Vrijheidstheaterfestival aims to create a visual representation of shared stories, highlighting the diverse experiences of freedom among attendees. The MEGA-vrijheidsrok will serve as both an artwork and a testament to the community's collective voice, encouraging dialogue about the significance of freedom in today's world.
In Winschoten, the presence of Amnesty International at the Bevrijdingsfestival Oldambt underscores the harsh realities faced by individuals like Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, reminding festival-goers that the fight for freedom is ongoing and that advocacy can make a difference. By signing the petition, attendees are taking a stand for human rights and against state-sanctioned violence.
Finally, the relay run organized by Sportclub Reeuwijk symbolizes the continuity of freedom's flame, connecting the past with the present. As runners carry the Bevrijdingsvuur, they embody the spirit of resilience and solidarity, reminding their community that freedom should never be taken for granted.
As Bevrijdingsdag approaches, the events planned for May 5 highlight the importance of communal celebration, remembrance, and action. Whether through art, advocacy, or athletic tradition, the message remains clear: freedom is a collective responsibility, and it is essential to honor those who have fought for it while continuing to strive for justice and equality.
