Alkmaar celebrates 453 years since liberation from Spanish siege

The city of Alkmaar commemorates its liberation from Spanish forces, an event known as ‘Alkmaar Ontzet’, which occurred on October 8, 1573. Alkmaar was the first city to successfully resist the Spanish army during the Dutch Revolt.

During the siege, residents defended the city walls and utilized local geography by breaching dikes to raise water levels around the city, eventually forcing the Spanish army to lift the siege. The city continues to celebrate this victory annually using its traditional red and white coat of arms.

Local landmarks and monuments honor the event, including the Victory Monument in Victoriepark and a statue of Trijn Rembrand, a sixteen-year-old girl who historically fought on the city walls. The 2026 celebrations, themed ‘Alkmaars Glorie’, will focus on the historical figures who shaped the city, such as fortress builder Adriaan Anthonisz.