When it comes to honoring their (usually) beloved King on King’s Day, Dutch people excel. A number of bizarre street games are also a part of the celebrations.
What other peculiarities are there on the list when they already participate in odd sports and have dubious fire safety practices?
1. It is what?
The majority of people are aware of King’s Day in the Netherlands, but they might not realize how many street games are popular there.
You might come across a few of these games if you intend to celebrate King’s Day in Amsterdam or another Dutch city, including:
- Koekhappen: Players compete by biting off bits of their opponent’s cookie and finishing their own in order to win. Of course, with their hands also restrained behind their backs.
- Sjoelen: Picture shuffleboard, but smaller and on a table! Players do not use shuffleboard sticks but rather their hands to push plastic or metal pucks into the scoring area.
- Spijkerpoepen: The most peculiar of them all, according to Spijkerpoepen, involves tying a string around your waist and having a nail at the other end. You now need to insert the nail inside a beer bottle’s opening or a similar small opening.
It certainly sounds like a lot of fun. There are, however, still more street games to enjoy! Just be aware of your surroundings as you go around the city.
2. How come they do it?
Many young people in Holland are attempting to earn some extra money. Kids enjoy participating in flea markets where they may sell their used clothing and toys.
But some Dutch individuals enjoy setting up these games so that others might play them for a nominal cost. Even without children, it’s hilarious to watch (intoxicated) adults play these games and have a good time.
The origin of these games is unknown, although it is possible that Dutch children in the past created them and handed them on to subsequent generations.
3. Why is it peculiar?
The games here are only Dutch. Even though they aren’t exclusively for royal celebrations, these events go hand in hand with King’s Day.
And practically every Dutch person has, at some point, played them. Most locals have participated in at least one game, whether it was as a child at a friend’s birthday party or at a King’s Day celebration with friends and family.
4. Should you participate?
Absolutely! If you’re new to street games, you’ll undoubtedly find them chaotic and possibly embarrassing (unless you’re on the sauce), but everything is done in good fun.
These street activities undoubtedly brightened Dutch children’s childhoods, and we have no doubt that they would also make adulthood enjoyable.
