Home Birth

Home birth is a common and safe option in the Netherlands for women with a normal, low-risk pregnancy.

What is it? 

You give birth at home in your own familiar environment, guided by your midwife and a maternity nurse. 

No medical interventions unless necessary (and then often a transfer to the hospital). 

Conditions: Good health, pregnancy without complications, from 37 weeks, hospital reachable within ±30 minutes. 

Advantages: More relaxation and control → often a faster and more natural course. 

Lower chance of medical interventions (labor-inducing drugs, epidural, vacuum extraction, caesarean section). 

No hospital bacteria, your own bed and bathroom after the birth. 

Fully reimbursed by basic health insurance. 

Disadvantages: In case of complications, you still have to go to the hospital (transport). 

Limited medical pain relief (no epidural at home). 

Less immediate specialist help available. 

Safety: In the case of a healthy pregnancy, giving birth at home in the Netherlands is just as safe as in a hospital or birth center, thanks to well-trained midwives and a strong referral system. 

The number of home births is around 13%.

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Sali (Dugi Otok Island)

Sali is the largest village and administrative center of the island of Dugi Otok (Long Island) in Croatia, in the Zadar region (North Dalmatia). 

It is a picturesque fishing village on the northeast coast with approximately 700-800 inhabitants. 

The name comes from the medieval salt pans (sal = salt). 

A quiet holiday destination — ideal for those who love nature, peace, and authenticity. 

Surrounded by pine forests, olive trees, and offering beautiful sunsets. 

Close to nature parks — just 2 km from Telašćica Nature Park (with the Mir salt lake) and near Kornati National Park. 

Facilities — a small harbor with restaurants, cafes, a few shops, a hotel, and a 15th-century church (St. Mary). 

Known for fresh fish and local festivals. 

In short: a charming, unspoiled fishing village perfect for a relaxing island vacation away from the hustle and bustle.

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Short Track Trotting Cluster

The Short Track Trotting Cluster is a group of ten short track trotting races that was added to the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Netherlands in 2021. 

What are short track trotting races? 

Short track trotting races are traditional Dutch trotting races held on a straight, short grass or sand track (approx. 275-300 meters). 

Two horses with a driver in a sulky (a small, light cart) race against each other in an elimination format: win 2 heats and advance to the next round. 

The public bets on the winner before each heat. 

Origin: Rooted in annual fairs and village festivals dating back to the 16th century (oldest still existing: Santpoort, 1759). 

It was the cradle of the entire trotting sport. 

Current form: Often the highlight of a local festival week in villages and towns along the North Sea coast (especially North and South Holland). 

Thousands of spectators along the track. 

Participants: United in the Kortebaanbond. 

Involved are drivers, trainers, owners, breeders, and volunteers. 

The cluster (2021): The ten newly added short tracks are: Assendelft, Heemskerk, Hillegom, Hoofddorp, IJmuiden, Lisse, Nootdorp, Santpoort, Venhuizen, and Warmond. 

(Individual short tracks such as Stompwijk and Medemblik had already been recognized previously.) The cluster emphasizes the shared tradition as well as the local variations, including the associated festival weeks. 

The heritage is protected and made visible through safeguarding plans, with attention to horse welfare.

In short: A living, exciting folk and equestrian tradition deeply rooted in Dutch village culture and now officially recognized intangible heritage. 

There are around 27 short tracks annually.

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Dongluo Village (Xinghua)

Dongluo Village (东罗村) in China is a village in Xinghua (Jiangsu province, near Taizhou). 

It is located in the heart of the unique Duotian system (raised fields in swamp and lake areas). 

Landscape: Beautiful “earth art” landscape with winding waterways, raised fields (over 1 meter above water), and seasonal flowers (e.g., rapeseed).

It borders Pingwang Lake, the Qianduo Scenic Area, and orchards. 

Recognition: Declared one of UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2025 in October 2025 — the first in Jiangsu. 

It is an example of sustainable rural development and the preservation of traditional agriculture (globally important agricultural heritage). 

Features: Ecological paradise with misty waters, lush nature, cultural traditions, and tourism that stimulates the local economy (e.g., agricultural products, cafes, boat trips). 

In short: an idyllic, water-rich village that combines traditional Chinese agriculture with modern rural renewal. Ideal for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts!

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Hoofddorp Short Track Trotting Race

Hoofddorp Short Track Trotting Race is an annual traditional short-track sprint trotting event (a race on a short, straight track of max. 310 meters) held on the Kruisweg in the center of Hoofddorp. 

It is an elimination race with a maximum of 24 horses, starting boxes, finish equipment, and a totalisator (betting). 

The fastest horses and riders compete for cash and honorary prizes. 

In addition to the races, there is plenty of conviviality, food and drink, entertainment, and activities for children. 

A special tradition is the blessing of the horses by the parish priest. 

The tradition dates back to around 1850, when farmers raced their horses on Sundays. 

There has been an association since 1880, and since 2011, the Hoofddorp Short Track Trotting Race Foundation has been organizing it annually again. 

In 2021, it was included in the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Netherlands. 

The event is known for excitement, camaraderie, and respect for animal welfare (veterinarian, heat protocol, no whips). 

It attracts a large audience from the region and is a real “day out” for young and old.

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Lolol (Colchagua)

Lolol is a small town and municipality (commune) in Colchagua Province, O’Higgins region, in central Chile. 

Name: Comes from Mapudungun (language of the Mapuche) and means something like “land of crabs and holes”. 

Location: Approximately 215 km south of Santiago, in the Colchagua Valley (known for wine). 

Features: Beautiful colonial architecture, quiet rural village, wine region, historical Mapuche heritage. 

It is a typical Chilean village with haciendas, vineyards, and rustic charm. 

In short: an authentic, picturesque wine village in the Chilean interior, ideal for those who love peace, wine, and a colonial atmosphere.

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SKS Skûtsjesilen Championship

The SKS Skûtsjesilen Championship is the most important traditional sailing competition in Friesland featuring historic skûtsjes (old flat-bottomed cargo ships approximately 100 years old). 

The Sintrale Kommisje Skûtsjesilen (SKS) has been organizing this since 1945. 

Fourteen skûtsjes (each linked to a Frisian town) compete for the Sulveren Skûtsje and the blue championship pennant. 

It is Frisian intangible heritage. 

How does it work? 

Period: During the northern construction holiday (late July, early August), usually 11 races on various Frisian lakes and locations. 

Scoring: The lowest scorer after 11 races wins (one worst day does not count). 

The skûtsjes sail with authentic rigging and crew (often families). 

The event attracts a large crowd, is broadcast live (including Omroep MAX), and exudes pure Frisian sailing tradition.

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