80 years of freedom
In 2025, we will commemorate and celebrate 80 years of freedom in Groningen. A special moment: eighty years ago, the Second World War ended, a war that left deep scars in our province. Since then, we have lived in freedom - a great good that we cherish, pass on and continue to protect. In towns and cities throughout the province, we reflect on what freedom means - then, now and later.
Westerwolde Liberation Walk
On Monday 5 May, the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation is organising a special Liberation Walk. This walk combines history with conviviality and takes you past the impressive stories of former camp "De Beetse". You can choose from two beautiful routes of 6.5 km or 11.5 km. Along the way, you will be encouraged with live music, so every stap is not only instructive, but also sociable. Put on your walking shoes and experience an unforgettable Liberation Day in nature.
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6 villages Liberation Tour
After the liberation of the city of Groningen on 16 April 1945, the German troops fled to Delfzijl. There they were soon surrounded from two sides. Yet the German soldiers did not intend to surrender just like that. In the final weeks there was heavy fighting in the region around Delfzijl, which the Canadians called the 'Delfzijl Pocket'. North of the port town, the fighting took place in and around the villages of the former municipality of Bierum. On 2 May 1945 in Farmsum, just south of Delfzijl, the last shots of the Second World War sounded in Groningen
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Liberation Day
Liberation Tour of the Northern Netherlands
On 5 May, we celebrate our freedom impressively during the Liberation Tour North Netherlands. More than 30 authentic World War II military vehicles will travel through the Groningen landscape that day - a driving commemoration and celebration of 80 years of freedom. The tour starts at Jumbo Meerstad and ends at the atmospheric Pijpplein in Farsum. Along the way, the vehicles will stop at various locations, where visitors will have the chance to admire these historic vehicles up close.
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Parade of 80 military vehicles
Impressively, 80 years of freedom will be commemorated in Appingedam. A parade of historic military vehicles passes through the city centre, immersing the town in the atmosphere of 1945. From roaring jeeps to imposing tanks - each vehicle tells its own story of courage, sacrifice and liberation. It is a tribute and a moment of reflection for young and old alike. The parade brings the past to life and highlights how precious and fragile freedom is - even today.
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Groningen Bevrijdingsfestival
Every year we celebrate freedom on 5 May. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather at the drafbaan in Groningen to remember and celebrate the liberation. The Bevrijdingsfestival Groningen offers a unique experience where music, art and culture come together to spread the powerful message of freedom and tolerance. Big names such as Maan, Goldkimono and Zoë Tauran will perform and ensure an absolute party!
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The Fisheries Museum: 80 years of freedom
This year the Netherlands is celebrating 80 years of freedom, just at a time of great unrest in the world. The Fisheries Museum pays attention to the resistance - which fought for freedom - during WWII, but also touches on other markers where freedom was fought for. In peacetime, everything seems clear and obvious, but in times of war or tension, simple questions sometimes prove difficult to answer. What does freedom mean to you?
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Things to do
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Route: Delfzijl Pocket
Route: Delfzijl Pocket
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Podwalk: The Battle of the Ems
Podwalk: The Battle of the Ems
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The Barracks Sellingen-Jipsinghuizen
The Barracks Sellingen-Jipsinghuizen
