Leeuwarden Local Customs

Frisians (the habitants of the province of Friesland where Leeuwarden is the capital of) are quite nice. They are always helpful and in for a talk.

Frisians have besides Dutch their own language which is called 'Fries'. It isn't an easy language, if you didn't study it but do know Dutch you still don't understand it. Besides their own language Frisians have their own flag to. You can see some of it on the picture: it's blue and with with vertical stripes and in between are red heart shaped figures.

2 more images

Wraldsimmerfestival is an international folklore festival held in Bergum, with participants from whole world.

Besides us, other groups were from Mongolia, Benin, Holland, Paraguay, Kalmukkië, Ukraine, Italy, Germany, India, Turkey. Belgium, Kenya.

Jopie Huisman museum in Workum. Realistic, self taught painter. So amazing that I visited 3 times to enjoy the paintings again and again. He autographed a book for me and as I noticed he wrote the same for everybody: Lots of Happiness! Jopie.

FRIES MUSEUM

The Fries Museum contains a period room, an extensive textile collection; finds form the Friesian hills, large collection paintings and Friesian silver. Besides that, the monumental chancellery from the 16th century is also a part of the museum.
And the exhibition of Mata Hari, the department Modern Art and office Leeuwarden where young artists can have their exhibition are worth it.

For more info: click here

ELFSTEDENTOCHT

The most important event in Friesland will be the “Elfstedentocht”. Unfortunately the weather isnt always coorperating for this fever.

Because this event wont take place most of the time, the province organizes yearly a alternitive Elfstedentocht: in May for walkers en in June for cyclists, motorists and motorcyclists.

But you can also take this famous route on your own. All the Local Tourist Information Centers can provide you a route.

SNEEKWEEK

Every year in August, Sneek is in the sign of sailing. During the “Sneekweek” watersport-lovers from all over Holland will come together on the Sneekermeer.

This whole week sail-contests take place with different kind of boats, also the well known Friese “skûtsjes”. But not only sail-contests, also a party every night and a lot of amuzement, will make the Sneekweek a happening.

Leeuwarden is the start and finish town of the Friese Elfstedentocht. This is a 200 km skating event along the eleven Frisian towns organised when the winter is cold enough and the ice is thick enough.

Odd to me, and on the contrary with Greeks, Dutch people almost never drink water! They always prefer coffe ,thea or refresments and of course........a lot!!!!of beer!!!