Voorschoten Horse Days

The Voorschoten Horse Days is an annual multi-day traditional event in the center of Voorschoten (South Holland), taking place every last weekend of July. 

It is an ode to the horse with a mix of trade, sport, culture, and conviviality. 

Origin: The core is the centuries-old horse market (a free market with official rights since 1282 granted by Count Floris V). 

It began as a medieval annual market for livestock and products. 

Program (usually Friday through Sunday): 

Friday: Horse Night / evening program with food and drinks and music. 

Saturday: Early horse market on the Voorstraat (trading horses and ponies, veterinary inspection), annual market/street fair, children's activities, demonstrations (including a farrier), and the short-track trotting race on the Van Beethovenlaan. 

Sunday: Hobby horsing, ring jousting, seniors' afternoon, and more festivities. 

It attracts tens of thousands of visitors and combines tradition with modern elements such as a fairground and music. 

Animal welfare is a top priority. 

It is recognized as intangible heritage.

In short: a lively, horse-filled village festival with historical roots!

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Carlos Pellegrini (Corrientes)

Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is a small tourist village in the province of Corrientes, Argentina (San Martín department).

 

It is located directly on Lake Iberá, in the heart of the Esteros del Iberá, one of the largest wetlands in the world. 

Population: Approx. 500 inhabitants. 

Access: Approximately 360 km from the city of Corrientes and 120 km from Mercedes. 

Highlights: Excellent location for ecotourism and wildlife watching (caimans, capybaras, birds, deer, etc.). Activities: Boat excursions, kayaking, horseback riding, night safaris, birdwatching, and hiking. 

In 2025, the village was named one of the best tourist villages in the world by ONU Turismo due to its sustainable tourism and nature conservation. 

In short: a quiet, authentic nature destination ideal for those who want to experience peace, wetlands, and wildlife.

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Ede and Veldhuizen Neighborhood Meeting

The Ede and Veldhuizen Neighborhood Meeting is a centuries-old tradition (dating back to before 1596, recorded from 1882) and is registered as intangible cultural heritage. 

It is an annual gathering of ‘hereditaries’ (landowners in the old Ede-Veldhuizen neighborhood) on the third Thursday of September. 

Purpose: To discuss the management of common property (such as the Neighborhood Forest), heathland maintenance, the Ede sheep flock, and current neighborhood matters. 

The Neighborhood Meeting is a lively form of local self-governance. 

Tradition: The Old Church rings its bells as a summons. 

Only the hereditaries have voting rights, but the meeting is open to interested parties.

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Whisky

Whisky (or Whiskey) is a distilled spirit made from grains (primarily barley, corn, rye, or wheat) that is aged in oak barrels. 

Alcohol content: usually 40-46% ABV. 

Production: malting (sometimes smoking with peat), fermentation, distillation (usually 2-3 times), and aging (min. 3 years for Scotch). 

Popular types: Single Malt Scotch: 100% malted barley, single distillery. 

Bourbon: American, min. 51% corn, new oak barrels. 

Irish Whiskey: often triple distilled, smoother. 

Rye: at least 51% rye, spicier. 

Whisky is drunk neat, on the rocks, or with a little water. 

The taste varies enormously depending on the grain, peat, barrel, and region (from sweet and vanilla to smoky and medicinal). 

In short: complex, aged grain drink with endless variations!

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Alabama

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States, also known as the Yellowhammer State, Heart of Dixie, or Cotton State. 

Capital: Montgomery. 

Largest city: Huntsville (according to recent data; Birmingham is historically and economically important). 

Accession to the US: December 14, 1819 (as the 22nd state). 

Geography: The state stretches from the Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley in the north (mountainous) to the coastal plains and Mobile Bay on the Gulf of Mexico in the south. 

There are forests, farmland, rivers, and beaches. 

The climate is humid subtropical. 

Alabama has a rich but complex history with themes such as slavery, segregation, civil rights, and economic progress. 

The state is known for Southern hospitality, football (college football is hugely popular), music (blues, country, gospel), and delicious Southern cuisine (barbecue, soul food).

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Alaska

Alaska is the largest state of the United States, located in the far northwest of North America. 

Location: Borders Canada to the east and Russia to the west (via the Bering Strait, only 55 miles/88 km away), with the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. 

Part of it lies above the Arctic Circle. 

Natural highlights: Denali (formerly Mount McKinley): the highest mountain in North America (over 6,190 meters). 

Thousands of glaciers, fjords, lakes (more than 3 million!), rivers, and volcanoes. 

Rich wildlife: bears (grizzlies and brown bears), moose, whales, orcas, sea otters, and salmon. 

Capital: Juneau (not Anchorage, the largest city). 

Nickname: “The Last Frontier” due to the vast, rugged wilderness. 

Alaska is known for its extreme nature: the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in winter, long summer days (midnight sun), and spectacular landscapes perfect for cruises, wildlife tours, hiking, and adventure. 

In short: an immense, rugged, and breathtaking natural paradise with few people and abundant wildlife – the ultimate “big country”.

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Arizona

Arizona is a state in the southwestern United States, also known as the Grand Canyon State. 

Population: approximately 7.6 million (2024), mainly concentrated in cities such as the capital Phoenix (largest city) and Tucson. 

Accession to the US: February 14, 1912, as the 48th state (last of the 48 contiguous states). 

Nickname: Grand Canyon State. 

Geography and landscape: Arizona has a very varied landscape: In the south: hot deserts (Sonoran Desert) with cacti. 

In the north: the Colorado Plateau with forests, mountains, and deep canyons. 

Most famous landmark: the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, carved out by the Colorado River. 

Other highlights: Petrified Forest, Sedona (red rocks), and various national parks and monuments. 

The climate varies greatly: extremely hot in the low deserts, cooler and with snow in the higher northern regions. 

Economy and population: The economy relies on tourism, mining (copper), agriculture, high-tech (electronics, aerospace), and services. 

Arizona is growing rapidly due to the attractive climate and jobs in the Sunshine State. 

Part of the population is Hispanic, and there is a relatively high number of Native Americans living there.

In short: Arizona is a state of extreme contrasts — desert and mountains, ancient indigenous heritage and modern cities, with the breathtaking Grand Canyon as the absolute highlight.

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