Days of Hearts

[mielabor]

This was the third weekend in August and therefore time to celebrate the Days of Hearts Festival (in Dutch: Hartjesdagen). This festival is celebrated in Amsterdam only and furthermore only in one street, the "Zeedijk" (Sea Dike). It has a very long tradition of circa 800 years (see link). The picture shows one end of the street were the festval starts with the singing of opera songs from an open window.

Hartjesdag - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[mielabor]

The opera singers:

 

[mielabor]

The singing of opera songs continues along the street until the other end is reached...

 

[mielabor]

At both ends of the streets stages have been set up and people can dance and sing

 

[mielabor]

This is the stage at the other end:

 

[mielabor]

When you are hungry, you can take a Chinese snack. There live many Chinese in this part of Amsterdam. The festival continues next day... (more to come)

 

[63getelevision]

Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures with us! I always enjoy seeing something outside of this country.

 

[tlee618]

Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[foraloysius]

Theo!

You learn something about your own country every day! I didn't even know of the existence. It sure looks like fun. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us.

 

[mielabor]

The next day...

I have decided to position myself in front of the Chinese temple

 

[mielabor]

At 4.00 pm the "Hartjesparade" (Parade of Hearts) has started at the other end of the street. This "policeman" clears the route in front of the parade.

 

[mielabor]

The participants of the parade are mainly cross-dressed persons. There are two categories: the "Hartjes" (Hearts) and the "Queens". The Hartjes have red numbers and the Queens have yellow numbers. After the parade there are contests for best Hartje and best Queen. This is a picture of some Hartjes:

 

[mielabor]

And some Queens. The Queen on the right is the winner of last year's contest:

 

[mielabor]

More pictures can be found here:

Hartjesdagen 2007

Explore this photo album by mielabor on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[washertalk]

WOW, Thanks so much for sharing Theo!

It is great to see what is happening in other places.