Beugelen

Beugelen is a traditional folk sport from (primarily) Limburg and East Brabant. 

Game: Players hit a heavy wooden or plastic beugel (ball of approx. 2-3 kg) with a wooden shovel/sledge over a clay track (approximately 10 × 5 meters). 

Aim: To get the beugel through a metal ring (the "beugel") at the end of the track as often as possible, and strategically hinder the opponent. 

Number of players: Usually 2 against 2 (or 1 against 1), with multiple beugels per team. 

Characteristics: Tactical, skillful, and social. It combines elements of archery, croquet, and billiards, but with a heavy ball on clay. 

It is a sociable sport for young and old, both recreational and competitive, with its own Dutch Beugelen Association. 

In short: a typical Dutch/Belgian "track ball game" with plenty of tactics and tradition!

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Schwerin

Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Northern Germany, is often called the "Florence of the North." 

Why this nickname? 

The city is idyllically situated between seven lakes (with Lake Schwerin being the largest), creating a romantic, water-rich landscape comparable to the artistic atmosphere of Florence. 

The showpiece is Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss): a fairytale Neo-Renaissance castle on an island in the lake, surrounded by gardens. 

It is a masterpiece of Romantic historicism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2024). 

Historical charm: a well-preserved old center with a cathedral (13th-15th centuries), squares, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, and a rich ducal history (dating back to the 12th century, founded by Henry the Lion).

In short: a compact, picturesque city full of culture, art (including the State Museum), and nature, ideal for a day trip. 

It combines northern tranquility with southern elegance.

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Fairground Culture

Fairground culture is the living folk culture surrounding fairs, primarily in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. 

Origin: Roots in medieval annual markets and traveling artists (more than 1,000 years old). 

Modern fairs emerged in the 19th century, featuring attractions, stalls, and vendors. 

What it entails: A mix of traditions, social gatherings, attractions (carousels, bumper cars, etc.), typical delicacies (waffles, fries, cotton candy), games, and music. 

It is a place where families, friends, and (former) residents come together – often *the* village or town festival of the year. 

Current situation: In Belgium alone, there are about 2,000 fairs per year, with thousands of fairground workers from family businesses. 

It is strong intangible heritage: The Netherlands: recognized in 2022. 

Belgium & France: UNESCO World Heritage since December 2024. 

In short: fairground culture is more than an amusement park on wheels – it is a social tradition full of nostalgia, community spirit, and annual rituals that connect generations.

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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Spain)

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an iconic modern art museum designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. 

It opened in 1997 and is situated on the Nervión River in Bilbao, Basque Country. 

Striking form: A futuristic, organic design featuring undulating, shimmering titanium panels resembling a ship, a flower, or a fish. 

The building appears to almost move. 

Materials: Combination of titanium, limestone, and glass. 

The titanium panels change color depending on the light and the weather. 

Interior: Large, open spaces with high ceilings and natural light. 

There are both traditional halls and enormous, irregular galleries specially created for large modern artworks (e.g., installations by Richard Serra). 

Architectural style: Deconstructivism – one of the most revolutionary and photographed buildings of the late 20th century. 

The museum has helped Bilbao enormously with its economic and cultural revival (the “Bilbao effect”). The building itself is often more impressive than the collection and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

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Chair Weaving in Bakel

Chair weaving is a traditional craft in which chair seats are woven using natural materials such as cane, rattan, or rush. 

It is primarily used for the restoration of antique and farmhouse chairs. 

In Bakel (North Brabant), this craft is strongly connected to Stoelenmatterij Beckers-Verhees. 

The company, run by the family (including Coby Beckers-Verhees and her son Gerard), restores chairs in an authentic manner, gives demonstrations, and sells restored furniture. 

The passion for the craft has been passed down from generation to generation. 

Chair weaving in Bakel has been officially listed in the Dutch Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage for several years. 

It is a living craft that is preserved despite modern alternatives. 

In short: a local, artisanal heritage in Bakel focused on the restoration and preservation of traditional chair weaving.

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Angel of the North

The Angel of the North is an iconic statue in Gateshead (near Newcastle, England). 

Artist: Antony Gormley. 

Year: 1998. 

Material: Weather-resistant steel. 

Dimensions: 20 meters high and 54 meters wide (wings). 

It is one of the largest public artworks in Great Britain. 

The angel stands on a hill with outstretched wings, overlooking the A1 motorway and the former mining area. 

It symbolizes hope, renewal, and the industrial history of Northern England. 

The statue has become a true landmark and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

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Goor School and Folk Festival

The Goor School and Folk Festival (also known as "the School Festival" or "Festival of Festivals") is a large local folk festival in Goor (Hof van Twente, Overijssel) that has existed since 1875. 

In 2025, it celebrated its 150th anniversary. 

Origin: Originally, it was a festival for schoolchildren to encourage good academic performance and to combat child labor in textile factories.

Children with low absenteeism were allowed to attend for free. 

It soon grew into a folk festival for the entire population. 

When and what? 

Held annually from Wednesday through Sunday on the last full weekend of June. Fully organized by volunteers. 

Free admission for everyone. 

Highlights: large festival tent on the School Festival Square, fairground with attractions, music, children's parade, grand parade on Sunday, and various activities for young and old. 

It is a typical Twente village festival with a strong tradition, yellow flags throughout the town, and a great sense of togetherness.

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