To improve morale in the city, then-mayor Pieter Adriaanszoon van der Werff proposed committing suicide so his constituents could eat his own body.

William and his soldiers sailed to Leiden as part of a makeshift military fleet dubbed the Watergeuzen ("Sea Beggars") on the morning of 3 October.

Typical traditions include: an evening parade on the night of 2 October, 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.

[7][8] 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 3 October, but prior registration and tickets are required.

[9] On the evening of 2 October, 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.

[10] Leiden-based band Rubberen Robbie's song "Drie Oktober" also commemorates the festival, and its lyrics refer to herring, hutspot, drinking, and partying.

[14] In recent years, 3 October has drawn criticism from local residents and business owners, some of whom opt to leave Leiden during the festival due to noise, public drunkenness, and other concerns.

[16] Bar and cafe owners have also protested the high fees associated with hosting food carts, outdoor beer taps, and restrooms while expressing concerns over attendees who bring their own alcohol with them from home.