Every 3 October Leiden celebrates the day in 1574 when the Spanish siege was lifted and the starving city was fed with herring and white bread. Four and a half centuries later the locals are still eating both, plus a big pot of hutspot (the mash of potatoes, carrots and onions that the retreating Spaniards supposedly left behind). It is part history lesson, part street party, and the whole city joins in.
The 2026 theme is hearing, seeing and tasting, which is a fair summary of the two days. Expect a nostalgic funfair along the canals, early morning singing, music in the squares and a very long parade. Most of it is free.
- When: Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2026. The Taptoe parade is on Friday at 20:00 and the Grote Optocht (grand procession) starts on Saturday at 13:00.
- Where: the historic centre of Leiden
- Tickets: the parade, Taptoe, funfair and fireworks are free to watch
- Getting there: direct trains run from Haarlem and Amsterdam Centraal to Leiden Centraal, then walk into the centre.
Good to know: the full programme is on the 3 October Vereeniging website and app. Trains are packed on the Saturday, so travel early for a good spot on the parade route.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
