Video: Drone light show over Rotterdam ends Liberation Day

Performance art installation Franchise Freedom closed Liberation Day in the Netherlands with a drone light show over the Maas river, which Rotterdam residents could enjoy through their windows, from their balconies and from the gardens. A swarm of 300 drones lit up the Rotterdam sky as "an ode to freedom and as a tribute to everyone working day and night to ensure the freedom and health of others," the Rotterdam Partners said.

The light show was the initiative of artist duo DRIFT and art organization Mothership. "On this special Liberation Day, the whole world is in the grips of Covid-19. Especially now, Mothership wants to work together to provide a sign of hope with this artwork. Remember, Reflect and be Resilient," Mothership founder and creative leader Jeroen Everaert said.

"It is sad that we cannot meet this year to commemorate destruction of our city center 80 years ago," Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said. "But it is nice to see how everyone made a virtue of necessity in such a creative way. An enlightened heart above our historical heart; it is truly heartwarming."