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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Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat breed known primarily for its distinctive forward-folded ears.

Origin: The breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s from a white farm cat named Susie with a natural mutation in her cartilage. 

All fold-ear cats are descended from her. 

Appearance: Round head, large round eyes, and a compact, round body (often called "owl-like"). 

Short, dense coat (a long-haired variant also exists). 

Weight: 2.5–6 kg. 

Lifespan: Average 11–15 years. 

Character: They are calm, gentle, affectionate, and social, but not overly demanding. 

Good with children and other animals, intelligent, and playful in a quiet way. 

They are true cuddle cats who love being around people. 

Important health warning: The folded ears are caused by a genetic mutation (osteochondrodysplasia) that affects all Fold-ear cats. 

This can lead to painful joint problems, arthritis, and bone abnormalities, sometimes even at a young age. 

Therefore, many cat organizations (such as FIFe) no longer recognize the breed, and breeding two Fold-ear cats is strongly discouraged. 

In short: a cute, sweet cat, but due to the health risks, many experts opt for straight-eared variants (Scottish Shorthair) or other breeds.

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River Fishing

River fishing is the traditional, small-scale commercial fishing on the major Dutch rivers (especially the Rhine, Meuse, and their tributaries). 

Formally, it falls under inland fishing, but it distinguishes itself strongly by its focus on flowing water and migratory fish. 

Main fish species: formerly mainly migratory fish such as salmon, sturgeon, shad, smelt, and grayling (anadromous fish that migrate up the rivers from the sea to spawn). 

Additionally, eels (eel) using anchor nets and fyke nets, and whitefish in the lower reaches. 

Methods: drift nets (seines), fyke nets, anchor nets, and formerly also stake fishing. 

The work is labor-intensive and dependent on currents, seasons, and water levels. 

The heyday was in the late Middle Ages and the 19th century thanks to improved nets. 

In the 20th century, it declined sharply due to water pollution, weirs/sluices (which blocked migration), and river canalization. 

The commercial catch of food fish (such as salmon) largely disappeared. 

Today, it is practiced by only a few fishermen, primarily sustainably and selectively targeting species such as zander, perch, pike, and bream. 

There is also stocking fishery (for release) and management assignments. 

In 2020, artisanal river fishing was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. 

In short: a historically and culturally valuable craft that has almost disappeared, but still lives on as a small-scale, sustainable practice.

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Kwidzyn (Marienwerder)

Kwidzyn Castle (German: Marienwerder) is a large brick Gothic castle in Kwidzyn, Poland. 

It was built in the early 14th century (around 1320-1350) as the residence of the Pomezanian Chapter within the Teutonic Order. 

Key features: Four wings surrounding a courtyard, with corner towers and a unique dansker (gdanisko): a large latrine tower on five arches, connected by a long covered bridge. 

This is one of the largest and best-known medieval sanitary facilities with a defensive function. 

Next to the castle stands the associated cathedral (14th century), creating a unique defensive and church complex. 

Brief history: The Teutonic Knights had previously established a settlement here (1233). 

The castle served as an administrative, military, and religious center. 

In 1410, it was briefly occupied by King Władysław Jagiełło. 

After the secularization of Prussia (16th century), it served as a residence for various officials. 

Partially rebuilt in the 19th century; now a museum with an ethnographic collection. 

It is a protected historical monument and a fine example of brick Gothic architecture in the region. 

Ideal for a visit in combination with the cathedral!

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Traditional Grassland Irrigation

Traditional grassland irrigation (also known as grassland irrigation or flood meadows) is an age-old agricultural technique in which flowing water from rivers, streams, or springs is channeled across the grassland via ditches, trenches, and beds. 

Fertilization: The water brings lime, minerals, and nutrients from the catchment area. 

Soil Improvement: Protection against frost, improvement of soil structure, and control of weeds/pests. 

Increased Productivity: More and earlier grass for hay or pasture, especially before artificial fertilizers (before the 19th-20th centuries). 

Method: Water is diverted using gravity (no pumps). 

Various systems exist: Natural flooding of low meadows. 

Targeted flow via trenches and bed construction (ridges with trenches in between, especially in the 19th century). 

Infiltration of water that slowly sinks through the soil. 

The technique was widespread in Europe (the Netherlands, Flanders, Germany, Austria, etc.) and is recognized in the Netherlands as intangible heritage. 

Today, it is still practiced on a small scale in places such as Het Lankheet (Twente) and Pelterheggen (North Brabant), often by volunteers. 

Current benefits: Climate adaptation (water buffer, biodiversity), sustainable, and low-tech. 

It is labor-intensive but is receiving renewed attention. 

In short: a smart, traditional way to fertilize grassland and protect it with naturally flowing water.

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