Word for the Week: Festive

Picture from Wikipedia.

As far as I know, Holland is one of those countries with the least number of Public Holidays celebrated within the year (only 8-9 public holidays in a year). However, when it rains, it pours. True enough we celebrated two holidays last week: Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) on the 29th of April and Ascension day celebrated on the 1st of May. Between the two, Queen’s day is the more festive event. This day commemorates the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands and is supposed to be a day of national unity and togetherness. (according to Wikipedia). For us commoners, what makes it so festive is the “freemarket” (vrijmarkt) where people would lay out all sorts of things and sell it for very insignificant amounts. From what I have observed, these people who sell stuff on the streets during this day doesn’t do it for the money at all, this “freemarket” is done just for the fun of it. As for me and Junfer, it was so much fun to roam around the streets laid with all sorts of merchandise and finding a great bargain. As they say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

We started our stroll quite late this year at around 11am because the weather was unpredictable. I think the weather also discouraged a lot of people from participating in the “freemarket” because there are fewer stalls this year compared to last year. However, in spite of the fewer stalls, the goods for sale where as varied as anyone could possibly imagine, from kitchen wares, old plates and wine glasses to old printers, golf clubs, paintings, clothes and so much more. In the end, the weather cooperated and we made a great purchase. We chanced upon this antique bronze art piece from a very nice old man that is to be hanged on the wall which goes so well with my curtains bought for only €5. Sweet deal.

Another thing that I look forward to during Queen’s day is the “Kermis”. This is like a small amusement park set up in various corners of the city where there are rides, games, and various food stalls. I normally expect at least 2 new big stuffed toys from Junfer when there is a “Kermis” around. Junfer scored 4 new stuffed toys this week from our ever favorite game, the name of which I don’t know but let me just describe it. This is the game where a number of cans are arranged in a pyramid and the player would have to topple all of them using three balls. He is so good at it seriously that he scored my first big stuffed toy this week on his first try. Amazing.

Queen’s day is one holiday I would always look forward to. Maybe next time we’ll also decide to sell our old stuff on the “freemarket”.