Free State of Stellingen Festival
14 – 15 September 2019
Basic Information
When: 14 – 15 September 2019
Where: Appelscha, Netherlands
Festival Website: vrijstaatdestellingen.nl
Hotels: Hotels in Appelscha
About 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 ever festival was inaugurated in 2017
– marking the 500th 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 have strived 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.
Have sustainable fun!
Places to stay and Hotel Tips
This pet-friendly accommodation in Oosterwolde is only about a 10-minute drive to the festival. Bolstered by a sauna, fitness centre and bar.
You’ll also have quick access to the bigger towns of Groningen (31 km) and Leeuwarden (41 km).
More from The Netherlands
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Bloemencorso Flower Parade Bollenstreek, the Netherlands, 25 april 2020
Sneeuwbal Festival in Utrecht, Netherlands, 25 January 2020
Keukenhof, Flowers as far as your eyes can see, 21 March – 10 May 2020
Christmas, Candlelight night and Winter events in Gouda
Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival, 14 December 2019 – 1 March 2020
Amsterdam Coffee Festival 13 – 15 March 2020
Amsterdam Chocolate festival 19 – 23 February 2020
Charles Dickens Festival in Deventer, 14-15 December 2019
Crossing Border, Den Haag, Netherlands. 29 October – 3 November 2019
Corso Zundert Flower Parade, Netherlands. 1 – 2 September 2019
Medieval Festival in Ter Apel, The Netherlands, 7 – 8 September 2019
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