They are led by two young men: Judas (the experienced leader) and Iscariot (the newcomer) and revolve around community, song, and symbolism around Easter.
Key Activities:
Palm Sunday: Egg Gathering — Young people parade through the village singing, led by Judas and Iscariot, ringing doorbells for eggs and money (singing the song: "Eier, eier, geld is ôk goat!") to cover costs.
Easter Saturday: Wood Collection — Men use tractors and carts to collect wood from the forest (e.g., Lutterzand) for the Easter bonfire.
Easter Sunday: Easter Stake Dragging — A procession heads to the Singraven estate to collect a tree (Easter stake).
The tree is cut down, dragged to the village (hand in hand), erected with a tar barrel on top, sold by auction, and lit in the evening along with the large Easter bonfire (around 8:00 PM).
These customs attract thousands of visitors, including former Denekampers for reunions, and may combine pagan (fire representing spring/fertility) and Christian elements.
They are very much alive and unique to Denekamp!
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