Folklore Day Zaanse Schans
Folklore Day has been celebrated at the Zaanse Schans for over 50 years. Every third Saturday in August, it’s time for regional costumes, dance and music at the Zaanse Schans during Folklore Day.
Folklore Day at the Zaanse Schans is an annual event where the past becomes visible, audible and tangible. Dozens of folklore groups from the Netherlands bring traditional regional costumes, dance and music to life, amidst the characteristic landscape of the Zaan heritage.
The day is a festive ode to everyday life in the past, carried out by people who preserve and share heritage with passion and craftsmanship.
Traditional folkloric costumes, dance, music and living history
During Folklore Day Zaanse Schans, dozens of groups dressed in traditional costumes from the 19th and early 20th centuries walk across the Zaanse Schans. Each group expresses its own regional culture through dance, music, stories and handmade traditional costumes.
This parade of traditions winds its way through the Zaanse heritage village and Zaanse windmills, creating an impressive spectacle of history, craftsmanship, old fabrics and traditional costumes from all over the Netherlands.
Musical performances and dance groups in traditional folklore costumes
Musical performances take place on Schipperplein, at ‘t Glop, the Tinkoepel and at the Catharina Hoeve.
The music and dance groups will vary from location to location throughout the day, surprising visitors with different dance demonstrations, singing groups or demonstrations of old crafts.
This will create an open atmosphere in which meeting and connecting are central.
Old crafts and demonstrations
In addition to the folklore groups, crafts are an important part of the day. Spread throughout the site, demonstrations can be seen of lace-making, wood carving, batik, rope-making and basket weaving, among other things.
Not only are these crafts demonstrated, but they are also explained, so that young and old can learn about the techniques of the past in an accessible way. Children can try their hand at spinning a top, batik, making a rope or weaving a basket, for example.
These are not only demonstrated but also explained, so that young and old alike can learn about the techniques of the past in an accessible way.
Children can try themselves at spinning tops or a small screen printing workshop, for example.
This creates an active connection between the present and the past, with room for curiosity and experience.
Tiemstra's Coopery and Fire Brigade Museum
A special highlight is a visit to Tiemstra’s coopery, where the doors are open for a glimpse into the world of barrels and vats. Experience this craft up close. The interior comes from the cooperage and barrel trade S.R. Tiemstra en Zonen from Oostzanerwerf.
The tools, machines, barrels and furnishings have been given a beautiful place at the Zaanse Schans, allowing the Zaans Museum to bring Jaap Tiemstra’s cooperage back to life.
Once a year, during Folklore Day, the Westzaanse Fire Brigade Museum gives demonstrations. The historic fire engine of the Westzaanse Fire Brigade Museum can be admired in working order and shows how people used to deal with fires and extinguish them. A unique experience to witness.
Market full of craftsmanship and regional products
An important part of the Zaanse Schans Folklore Day is the extensive market, which spreads across Zeilenmakerspad and Kalverringdijk, the Klompenmakerij (clog factory) and the Wevershuis (Weavers’ house).
Here you will find stalls filled with handmade products and art that reflect traditional crafts: paintings, ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, jewellery and more. Local products such as cheese, honey and soaps are also available for purchase. Everything is made with care, often in small batches and with a story behind it.
The market not only provides a lively backdrop, but also offers visitors the opportunity to take something tangible from the event to their house and support today’s craftsmen.
Initiators of Folklore Day at the Zaanse Schans
Folklore Day is an initiative of the Zaanse Schans Entrepreneurs Association (OVZS) in collaboration with the Zaanse Schans Foundation (Stichting de Zaanse Schans), which has been organising the event for more than 50 years.
Together, they ensure that Zaan traditions are not lost, but are passed on in a form that encourages people to come together. Whether you come for the beautiful regional traditional costumes, the old crafts, live music or simply for the atmosphere, Folklore Day at the Zaanse Schans offers a unique opportunity to experience Dutch heritage up close.
Plan your visit, because this beloved event is one of the highlights of the year.
Folklore Day Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans Folklore Day is an annual event that celebrates the rich history and traditions of the Zaan region. Visitors are introduced to authentic crafts, regional costumes, music and dance from times gone by. Across the Zaanse Schans heritage village, demonstrations of lace-making, basket weaving, woodworking and rope-making can be seen. The day offers a unique opportunity to see the past come to life, surrounded by historic windmills and characteristic monumental buildings.
Tradition at an authentic heritage village
Folklore Day is always held on the third Saturday in August and has been attracting many visitors from the Zaan region for over 50 years. The Zaanse Schans, with its iconic windmill panorama and historical Zaans heritage, is the perfect setting for this festive day. In addition to crafts and performances, there are also market stalls selling regional products, traditional delicacies and souvenirs. For children, there are special activities that introduce them to the heritage of the Zaan region in a playful way.
A celebration of Zaan heritage
Volunteers and craftsmen ensure that centuries-old traditions are preserved and shared with new generations. Whether you are interested in history, love crafts or just want to enjoy a fun day out, Folklore Day at the Zaanse Schans is a special experience that creates wonderful memories every year.