Why Friesland is the shit

(And what you want to do this summer)

Now don't get jealous, Amsterdam, you will always have a special place in my heart. You are the place of our office, the place of my first ‘real’ parties, networking events, and the place we say ‘it's all happening here’. But it's time to broaden the horizon. Literally. So from now on, I will be looking for a cool place in the Netherlands every week to see what’s happening there this summer. Eyes closed, finger on the map of the Netherlands and let’s talk about… FRIESLAND!

Because even though Fryslân is flat, it has its highlights… Especially this summer.

Frisian Balloon Festivals (July 26-30)

I really think this is the most fun. The Frisians have had their own balloon party in Joure since 1986. During the event, 35 hot air balloons take off, there is a food truck festival, a fair, a beach DJ, and in the evening it concludes with a Candlelighting show featuring various hot air balloons. So I would say: nothing to do this weekend? Always wanted to see the Netherlands from a great height? Come on, to Fryslân!

Sneekweek August 4-13

You must know this one. In fact, I know you do. Did you know that Sneekweek is the LARGEST event on the inland waters of Europe? We can be quite proud of that. So I think I want to experience the spectacle as well. Sneekweek started as an annual event with sailing competitions, but it has now become so much more extensive with a music festival, a fair, and a fleet review. For all the ins & outs about sailing, you can also reach out to our water rat Adeline, who firmly believes that everything is more fun on the water.

Hielper Summer Festival (Saturday, July 29)

Tomorrow then. If you happen to be in Friesland; this is an annual recurring event with cultural, musical, and sports activities. Think of live music, traditional costumes, folk dancing, and fun. If you are really in the party mood, you can immediately join the ‘Party Night’ at Café De Boekanier after the Summer Festival. Yes, those Frisians do love a party.

The championship skûtsjesilen (August 5-18)

Okay, I’m learning new things right away. What is it? Skûtsjesilen is actually another word for competitive sailing with old cargo ships. How to pronounce it, I just looked up (I come out at skoetsjesilen), but it’s clear that it’s popi jopi to the max in Friesland. If you want to spend a weekend in Friesland and are a boat fan, I would wait until August.

I've made up my mind: Friesland is cool. I see just that they even hide fantastic dunes, a kind of bounty beach, and something that looks like Central Park. So, a weekend in Friesland? I’m in! (May also, by the way, because this is what she learned there.)
P.S.: Is something spectacular happening in your province this summer? Just email kiki@amayzine.com and who knows, I might dive into your hometown next week. Excited.