Free State of Stellingen Festival

picture © https://vrijstaatdestellingen.nl

Free State of Stellingen Festival, Appelscha

This charming festival reclaims the time when the municipality of Ooststellingwerf  existed as a Free Nation from 1300 to 1500.

Denizens were conferred the unusual position of not having to serve a duke or king.

Instead “directors” were chosen from the region’s villages to administer things.

The first festival was in 2017 and will be held every one and other year

In 2017 it was marking the 500 anniversary of Ooststellingwerf as a state – with a Medieval party on the streets of the northern town of Appelscha featuring encampments, archers, street acts, music and special Medieval treats.

Food & Drink, Music and Entertainments

For two days, participants are taken back 500 years years to celebrate the old Free State in the northern part of Netherlands.

The area is located in the province known as Friesland.

The  2017 festival included presidential elections where only the children voted! 

As a result, Tibbe the Cat was bestowed the honour.

The other candidates?  Tabby the horse and Bo the dog.

Children are also given a history lesson about the times in which people lived with a special music program that blends past facts with folk music.

While hewing to the specific facets of its history, this festival has a light, tongue-in-cheek quality.

For Your Enjoyment

In celebrating its 200-year free-state period, soup is served in bread bowls and all food and drinks are local and organic.

Organizers strive to minimize waste — which is actually in keeping with present times.

Beer is also ‘pure’ and without chemicals, drinks are served in glass jars or recycled containers while all libations and edibles are paid with special free state coins, which you purchase.

Musicians only play acoustic instruments and decorations are from second-hand materials or are biodegradable.