Herring Presentation in Niekerk

The herring presentation in Niekerk is a unique Groningen tradition that has existed since 1476 and has been officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands (since 2017). 

The event takes place every year on the Wednesday before Easter, around 4:00 PM, and is rooted in the will of farmer Menno Jeltema from Niekerk. 

He donated land to the Pepergasthuis in Groningen, with the stipulation that a ton of herring (approximately 750 herring) be distributed annually to the poor in Niekerk, Oldekerk, and Faan. 

How does the presentation take place? 

A farm cart, drawn by one or two horses, drives through the streets of Niekerk, Oldekerk, and Faan starting at 4:00 PM. 

The coachman leads the horses, while the passenger rings a bell to attract attention. 

The float symbolically features a wooden barrel filled with herring (the real herrings are already waiting in "De Zaaier," the annex of the Liudger Church in Niekerk). 

Around 4:30 PM, the float arrives at the church, where Mayor Ard van der Tuuk and Toos Wolters (chairman of the Menno Jeltemastichting) officially receive and sample the herrings. 

Residents of the three villages receive a free herring; cleaning costs a small fee (approximately €0.50). History and Continuation: Originally for the poor, now for all residents. 

The tradition was rarely interrupted: only during the French period, WWI/II, and the coronavirus pandemic (2020-2021). 

In 1979, the obligation was redeemed for 2,000 guilders, after which the Menno Jeltemastichting was established to maintain it. 

Additional support came from Rabobank (1995) and the municipality of Grootegast (2018: €20,000), among others. 

Today, it's a lively village festival with many people, and there's even a statue of "The Herring Eaters" at the church.

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Raleigh Falls

The Raleigh Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR) in Suriname. 

It is a series of wide waterfalls in the Coppename River, with a total width of approximately 300 meters and a drop of about 10-15 meters. 

Key features: Location: in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, accessible only by plane (to the nearby Kwamalasumutu or Foengoe airports) and then by boat. 

Main attraction: Voltzberg (360 m high) and the Raleigh Falls themselves, with impressive waterfalls and abundant mist. 

Biodiversity: The area is famous for its abundance of birds, especially the Guianese crested grouse (also known as "trumpet birds"), which nest in large flocks on the rocks within the falls. 

You can hear their calls from afar. 

Tourism: There's a simple (but comfortable) lodge on Foengoe Island, from where you can hike to the falls and climb Voltzberg. 

Best time: Dry season (February–April and August–November) for lower water levels and better trails.

In short: one of Suriname's most beautiful and unspoiled natural areas, perfect for adventurous travelers who want to combine rainforest, waterfalls, and birdlife.

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Knitting Grolse Mittens

Grolse mittens are traditional Dutch mittens from Groenlo (Grolle in the dialect), known for their beautiful, colorful Norwegian patterns (stars, hearts, flowers) and warm, sturdy quality. 

They have been knitted for generations, especially in the Achterhoek region, and are a true piece of cultural heritage. 

Characteristics of genuine Grolse mittens: Knitted from sturdy, often 100% virgin wool (e.g., Lettlopi or similar). 

Typical colors: natural white/cream as a base, plus red, green, blue, and sometimes black or yellow. Classic patterns: large star on the back of the hand, often with hearts, checks, or flowers. 

The cuff is usually ribbed or with a small pattern, followed by a wide decorative border. 

The thumb is usually added later (farmer's or widow's thumb). 

Often lined with an extra wool inner mitten for extra warmth (double mittens). 

There are many different authentic patterns (e.g., by Ria Hendriks, Janny Blokker, or the "original Grolse mitten" from the 1970s/80s). Nowadays, you can find free and paid patterns on websites like Breiclub.nl, Wol & Co, or in the book "Grolse Wantjes" (Grolse Wantjes) from the Brei- en Haakclub Groenlo.

 

In short: sturdy wool, striking Norwegian stars, red, white, and green, and a lot of love and pride put into it. That's what makes a Grolse mitten!

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South West Coast Path (Cornwall section)

The South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail (1,014 km total). 

The Cornish section is the most popular and spectacular: approximately 470 km from Minehead (Somerset) to Poole (Dorset), but the true Cornish section runs from Marsland Mouth (the Devon-Cornwall border) to Cremyll/Plymouth (or sometimes extended to Plymouth via the Tamar Bridge).

Cornwall highlights: From north to south: Bude → Boscastle → Tintagel → Port Isaac → Padstow → Newquay → St Agnes → St Ives → Land's End → Penzance → Mousehole → Lizard Point → Falmouth → Mevagissey → Plymouth. 

Very hilly: a total elevation gain of over 35,000 meters (4 times Mount Everest!). 

Often 800–1,200 m of ascent and descent daily. 

Breathtaking coastline: dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays, old tin mines, seals, dolphins, and plenty of smuggler stories. 

Best time: May–June or September–October (less crowded than July/August). 

Practical information: Well signposted with the oak leaf symbol (acorn). 

Many B&Bs, hostels, and campsites along the route; luggage transfers available (Sherpa, Lugger's, etc.). Reasonable public transport (train to Penzance, buses along the coast). 

Difficulty level: challenging due to the many short, steep climbs. 

In short: the most beautiful, rugged, and challenging coastal walk in the UK, with Cornish pasties and cream teas as a reward! Perfect for those who love spectacular sea views and challenging hikes.

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Hat Making

Hats are a combination of steam and block shaping, sewing and handicraft techniques, and a great deal of creativity in the decoration. 

A true craft that is still alive and well, especially for special occasions (Ascot, weddings, carnival, theatre).

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Tay Ninh

Location: Tay Ninh is located in southeastern Vietnam, near the Cambodian border, approximately 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

Capital: Thành phố Tay Ninh (Tây Ninh City). 

Key features: Known for the sacred Ba Đen Mountain (Núi Bà Đen), with the highest pagoda in Vietnam and a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination (cable car to the summit). 

Headquarters of the Cao Đài religion (Cao Dai Holy See – Thánh Thất Cao Đài), a unique Vietnamese religion with colorful temples and daily ceremonies. 

Border province with many rubber and cassava plantations. 

Historically important during the Vietnam War (Cu Chi tunnels are located nearby, and there was much fighting in this border area). 

Climate: Tropical, with distinct dry and rainy seasons. 

Dry season: December to April (best time to travel). 

Economy: Agriculture (rubber, cassava, sugarcane), tourism, and cross-border trade with Cambodia. 

In short: Tay Ninh Province is a tranquil, green province with a mix of unique religion (Cao Dai), natural beauty (Ba Dan Mountain), and historical significance, ideal for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

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Summary of the Procession Tree Tradition

The Procession Tree Tradition (also known colloquially as "stoetbom," "stuikbom," or "stoebbom") is a centuries-old folkloric custom found primarily in eastern and southeastern Flanders (primarily Limburg and Flemish Brabant) and in Dutch Limburg. 

When and why? 

The tradition is performed on the night of November 10th to 11th (the eve of St. Martin's Day) or sometimes on the night of October 31st to November 1st (All Saints' Day/All Souls' Day). 

It is a kind of folk-oriented or mocking ritual in which a bachelor who waits too long to marry (usually a man over 25–30 who still lives at home) is publicly ridiculed for "staying single for too long." 

How does it work? 

Friends, neighbors, or the village youth gather secretly at night. 

They take a tree (usually a birch, willow, or spruce) from the forest or field. 

The tree is completely stripped bare (all leaves and branches are removed, sometimes only the crown remains), and sometimes it is also peeled. 

The bare tree is then erected in the middle of the night: in the front garden of the bachelor's house, or in front of his bedroom window, or even on the roof or in the chimney. 

Decorations are often hung around it: old pots, bottles, shoes, a doll in a wedding dress, satirical verses, or signs with texts like "An old bachelor lives here" or "For sale: 1 bachelor, slightly damaged." 

The next morning, the bachelor (and the entire neighborhood) discovers the "stoetbom" (stomach bomb).

In short: a funny, folksy way to tease bachelors who "wait too long" by planting a bare tree in front of their door at night. 

One of the nicest surviving traditions in Limburg!

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