Kermis

A few weeks back I went to Tilburg to check out the Tilburgse Kermis, which is apparently the largest carnival in Benelux.

Almost end of summer « The expat numbat: from AU to NL 2007

One week each year they have a great festival called the "Kermis," which is not unlike the old-fashioned carnival in this country.

Birdseye Views of Far Lands

But this custom is now a thing of the past, for the Kermis at The Hague has been abolished, even as it has been abolished in most of the other towns throughout the kingdom, for all authorities were agreed that fair-time promoted vice and drunkenness, and the old-fashioned Kermis is now only to be found in Rotterdam, Leyden, Delft, and some of the smaller provincial towns and villages.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

Just as the Kermis is rung in by the bells, so also it is tolled out again.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

In front of the bier walked a boy ringing a large bell, and proclaiming, 'De Kermis is dood, de Kermis wordt begraven' ( 'The Kermis is dead, and is going to be buried').

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

The 'wafelkramen' are not so largely patronized, as the price of these delicacies is rather too high for the slender purses of the average 'Kermis houwer,' but 'oliebollen' -- round ball-shaped cakes swimming in oil -- are within the reach of all, as they cost but a cent apiece.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

Moreover, if it was not possible to have the year-market in the same week as the Kermis, then the Kermis was put off to suit the year-market, and these latter were of great aid to the religious festivals, for they attracted a greater number of people, and as dispensations were given for attending the masses both the churches and the markets benefited.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

It is very tough, and just thin enough to hold in a large mouth, and when a man chooses a girl to keep Kermis with him they must first see whether they will suit one another as 'Vryer and Vryster' by eating

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

With the first stroke of the Kermis clock the year-market was opened and the first dance commenced, followed by a grand procession, in which all the principal people of the town took part, and when the last stroke died away white crosses were nailed upon all the bridges, and on the gates of the town.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough

Very festive is the appearance of a town in the Kermis week.

Dutch Life in Town and Country P. M. Hough