Book of Days Tales

The siege of Leiden occurred during the Eighty Years’ War and the Anglo–Spanish War in 1573 and 1574, when the Spanish under Francisco de Valdez attempted to capture the rebellious city of Leiden in what was then South Holland in the Netherlands. The siege failed when the city was successfully relieved on this date in 1574. In honor of the liberation of Leiden the day itself was declared an official city holiday in 1886. It is now celebrated with a variety of activities and events that take place in the days leading up to October 3rd.

Many of the city’s residents take October 3rd off from work or school to either participate in or enjoy the festivities. Typical traditions include: an evening parade on the night of October 2nd, a carnival and market in the center of the city, various theatrical performances and historical reenactments, and a memorial service in St. Peter’s Church (Pieterskerk) that commemorates the traumatic events of the siege. A second parade takes place on the afternoon of October 3rd with a firework display later that evening.

The traditional meal associated with the festival is herring and white bread (haring en wittebrood). Cleaned herring along with a small loaf of white bread are handed out to city residents for free at the Weigh House (De Waag) at dawn on the morning of October 3rd, but prior registration and tickets are required.  On the evening of October 2nd, hutspot (a dish representative of the stew found in the Spanish troops’ camp) is served at an event located on the Hooglandsekerkgracht, a street in the center of the city.  Here is a recipe for hutspot:

Ingredients

6 onions, peeled and diced

6 carrots, peeled and diced

8 potatoes, peeled and diced

½  cup evaporated milk

¼ cup butter

salt

pepper

Instructions

Boil the onions and carrots for 20 minutes. Drain, and place in a mixing bowl.

Boil the potatoes 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain and add to the onions and carrots.  Mix and mash well. Add the salt, pepper, butter and milk, and continue to mix. 

Keep warm in the oven and serve hot.