Easter Customs in Denekamp

The Easter customs in Denekamp (Twente, Overijssel) are a centuries-old tradition that has been on the Intangible Heritage List of the Netherlands since 2018. 

They are led by two young men: Judas (the experienced leader) and Iscariot (the newcomer) and revolve around community, song, and symbolism around Easter. 

Key Activities: 

Palm Sunday: Egg Gathering — Young people parade through the village singing, led by Judas and Iscariot, ringing doorbells for eggs and money (singing the song: "Eier, eier, geld is ôk goat!") to cover costs. 

Easter Saturday: Wood Collection — Men use tractors and carts to collect wood from the forest (e.g., Lutterzand) for the Easter bonfire. 

Easter Sunday: Easter Stake Dragging — A procession heads to the Singraven estate to collect a tree (Easter stake). 

The tree is cut down, dragged to the village (hand in hand), erected with a tar barrel on top, sold by auction, and lit in the evening along with the large Easter bonfire (around 8:00 PM). 

These customs attract thousands of visitors, including former Denekampers for reunions, and may combine pagan (fire representing spring/fertility) and Christian elements. 

They are very much alive and unique to Denekamp!

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Corrientes

Corrientes is a province in northeastern Argentina, located in the Mesopotamia region between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. 

It borders Paraguay, Brazil, and the Argentine provinces of Misiones, Chaco, and Entre Ríos. 

The capital is the city of Corrientes, a river port on the Paraná River. 

The province has a subtropical climate and is known for its extensive wetlands, particularly the Esteros del Iberá (one of the largest wetlands in the world, rich in wildlife such as caimans, capybaras, and birds). Other highlights include ecotourism, fishing (including dorado), the Mburucuyá National Park, and the Yaciretá Dam. Culturally, Corrientes is strongly influenced by Guaraní traditions: Guaraní is an official language along with Spanish. 

It is the birthplace of chamamé music (with accordion) and boasts one of Argentina's largest carnivals, full of color and pageantry. 

The economy revolves around agriculture (tobacco, rice, citrus), livestock, and tourism. 

The province is historically important due to Jesuit missions and its role in the Wars of Independence.

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Straorijden

Straorijden (or straôrijden) is an old Zeeland tradition, unique to the island of Schouwen-Duiveland.

It is an annual farmers' festival in villages such as Burgh-Haamstede, Renesse, Ellemeet, Noordwelle, Scharendijke, and Serooskerke. 

Decorated horses (often Zeeland draft horses) ride in a procession to the beach, where they enter the sea for the first time that year to "wash" their legs and hooves in the salt water. 

This was originally to prevent stiffness, mud fever, and inflammation after a winter in the stables. 

After the ride, there is a celebration in the village, including ring-riding and a festive evening. 

The tradition dates back to at least 1643 and takes place in February/March.

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Entre Ríos

Entre Ríos is a province in northeastern Argentina, located in the Mesopotamia region. 

The name literally means "between rivers" because it is bordered by the Paraná River (west and south) and Uruguay River (east, bordering Uruguay). 

It is also bordered by the provinces of Buenos Aires (south), Santa Fe (west), and Corrientes (north).

Capital: Paraná (on the Paraná River). 

Population: approximately 1.3 million inhabitants (as of 2022). 

The economy is strongly agricultural: key products include rice (60% of national production), soybeans, wheat, corn, citrus fruits, and poultry. 

It is also known for livestock farming. 

Tourism plays a major role: Entre Ríos is known as the "national capital of thermal baths" with numerous hot springs, river beaches, carnival (especially in Gualeguaychú, one of Argentina's largest), sport fishing, national parks (such as El Palmar) and historical sites.

Justo José de Urquiza, an important figure in Argentine history, came from this province.

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Pigeon Racing

Pigeon racing is a popular hobby and competitive sport in which specially bred homing pigeons fly back to their home loft from a distant release site as quickly as possible. 

The winner is the pigeon with the highest average speed (calculated as distance divided by flight time).

Origin: The sport originated in the early 19th century in Belgium (its birthplace in Liège and the surrounding area) and quickly spread to the Netherlands and other countries. 

How it works: Pigeon fanciers train and breed pigeons. 

For races, the pigeons are basketed, transported to a release site (often hundreds of kilometers away), and released simultaneously. 

Upon their return, their time is recorded electronically. 

Distances: From short flights (100 km) to marathon races (1000+ km). 

Popularity: Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Once incredibly popular (over 50,000 fanciers in the Netherlands in the 1960s), there are now approximately 22,000 active pigeon fanciers, with an aging population but also international growth (including in Asia). 

Excitement: It's all about orientation, training, care, and a bit of luck with the weather and birds of prey.

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Formosa

Formosa is a province in northeastern Argentina, located in the Gran Chaco region. 

The capital is the city of Formosa, situated on the Paraguay River (opposite Paraguay). 

The province borders Paraguay (north and east), Salta (west), and the Chaco (south). 

The landscape consists of forests, savannas, swamps, and jungles, with a high level of biodiversity (including Río Pilcomayo National Park). 

The economy revolves primarily around livestock, cotton, and fruit growing. 

The name "Formosa" comes from the old Spanish word for "beautiful," referring to a bend in the river.

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Children's Stamp Campaign

The Children's Stamp Campaign has been an annual Dutch tradition since 1924 (with a break during WWII), recognized as intangible cultural heritage. 

Primary school children in grades 7 and 8 sell children's stamps (with a surcharge for charities), postcards, and other products door-to-door or online via QR codes. 

More than 100,000 children participate annually, under the motto "for children, by children." 

The proceeds go to the Children's Stamp Campaign, which supports projects for vulnerable children in the Netherlands and abroad, focusing on equal opportunities, poverty, loneliness, and resilience (e.g., safe spaces, sports, or a buddy).

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Jujuy

Jujuy is a province in the far northwest of Argentina, bordering Bolivia (north), Chile (west), and the province of Salta (east and south). 

The capital is San Salvador de Jujuy. 

Nature: Known for spectacular landscapes such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven-Colored Mountain in Purmamarca), the immense salt flats of Salinas Grandes, and the Serranía de Hornocal (Mountain of 14 Colors). 

Culture: Strong indigenous influences (including Quechua and Aymara), colonial history, and vibrant traditions such as carnival and the worship of Pachamama (Mother Earth). 

Tourism: A popular destination for nature lovers, with villages like Purmamarca, Tilcara, and Humahuaca, hiking trails, archaeological sites (such as Pucará de Tilcara), and unique highlands (Puna). 

Economy: Sugarcane, mining (including lithium and salt), and growing tourism. 

It's a rugged, colorful, and culturally rich region, ideal for those seeking authentic Argentina off the beaten track.

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Cow Market in Woerden

The Cow Market is a centuries-old tradition in Woerden, dating back to 1410, originally a cattle market for cows and horses. 

Nowadays, it's a major public festival held on the first Wednesday after October 20th, featuring cow shows, a market with hundreds of stalls, a funfair, performances, and an international cyclocross race during the "Nacht van Woerden" the evening before. 

It attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually and marks the beginning of autumn, with traditions such as pea soup and a parade of cows and calves. 

The market is recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands.

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La Pampa

La Pampa is a large province in central Argentina, known as the heart of the Argentine pampas (fertile plains). 

Capital: Santa Rosa. 

Population: approximately 350,000 inhabitants (very sparsely populated) 

Landscape: almost completely flat, vast grassland plains (pampas), ideal for cattle ranching and agriculture 

Economy: primarily beef production (Argentina is world-famous for its beef steak), grains (wheat, corn, soybeans), and sunflower oil 

Climate: temperate continental climate – hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall in the west (becoming drier towards Patagonia) 

Nickname: “El corazón de la pampa húmeda” (the heart of the humid pampas) 

It is one of the quietest and least touristy provinces in Argentina, yet crucial for Argentina's food production. 

Typical image: endless plains, estancias (large cattle ranches), gauchos, and horizons that make you dizzy.

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