Acht oktober - Alkmaars ontzet

On October 8, 1573, the Relief of Alkmaar took place. Alkmaar was one of the first Dutch cities to successfully withstand the Spanish siege. Alkmaar still celebrates this momentous event to this day. In 1931, too. In that year, Mr. A.H.P. Blaauw, chairman of the 8 October Association, delivered a speech at the Victoria statue in the cheese city. Afterwards, those present sang the city anthem en masse.