3 October parade

Leiden University will be taking part in the 3 October parade. Are you coming to watch?

The Relief of Leiden

Every year on 3 October Leiden is painted red and white: it's a day when we celebrate the liberation from the Spanish in 1574. The history of Leiden University is closely interwoven with this historic conquest. Tradition has it that William of Orange gave Leiden University as a gift to the Leiden people as a way of thanking them for their brave resistance against the invaders. This year you can also come and wonder at Leiden University in the Grand Parade on 3 October. Will you be there too?  

The grand parade

Ever since 1886 the 3 October Association has organised activities relating to the commemoration and celebration of the Relief of Leiden. And the grand parade is an essential part of the celebrations. The whole of Leiden comes to watch the parade of floats, clubs and music associations.  A lot of Leiden children - and adults - join in the parade. Leiden University will be taking part in the grand parade on 3 October this year! 

444 years

In 2018 it was 444 years ago that the people of Leiden repelled the Spanish invaders, an event that the University celebrates with the 3 October Association. This year we will have our own 'birthday' group in the grand parade. And of course, we will be looking forward to our own jubilee year!