Let us take you back to 1573. The Netherlands wants to become independent from Spain, but the Spanish rulers do not agree with that. On August 21 they surround Alkmaar, with the plan to teach the rebellious city dwellers a lesson. But, the inhabitants of Alkmaar do not let that happen just like that. They throw boiling tar from the ramparts and cross the dikes until the Spanish soldiers capitulate on October 8th. And so the Victory started, in Alkmaar, and that is still celebrated annualy on October 8th. In the week running up to and including October 8th, Alkmaar celebrates its victory over the Spanish. For a week the city bursts of festivities, (street)theatre, concerts and much more, which is known as ‘Alkmaar Ontzet’. Find out more on Alkmaar’s history at Stedelijk (municipal) Museum Alkmaar. For more information and the activities during Alkmaar Ontzet go to www.visitalkmaar.com. to watch the 2018 video click here