Seventy-five years of traditional Dutch wooden shoe festivities in Vluyn.
Revamped Recap: The Klompen King and Queen Shindig in Neukirchen-Vluyn
Let's talk about the Klompen King and Queen event in Neukirchen-Vluyn - it's always a heartwarming occasion! The town is filled with friendly faces, engaging conversations, and an undeniable passion for this quaint tradition. Yet, there's a hint of bittersweet sentiment as the outgoing King and Queen, Wolfgang and Sabine Krebs, take part in one of their final official duties before the Klompenball. "I'm feeling quite emotional already," Queen Sabine shares. Her husband, King Wolfgang, adds, "It's truly one of the most beautiful experiences I've had." Encouraging everyone to join the festivities, he says, "Experience the camaraderie, and you'll be greeted with a warm, supporting community." If you're from Vluyn or Neufeld and love the tradition, you could become the next King or Queen - no membership required! As Holger Teller, keeper of Neukirchen-Vluyn's cherished secret admits, "We're simply a group where everyone celebrates together, regardless of their affiliations."
holger-teller
Now, let's talk about the jubilee. Preparations have been underway for over a year, and expectations are high due to the tradition's increasing popularity. More clompen have been ordered this year compared to previous ones. Klompen-loving Inge, the piggy bank collecting donations for the Ingrid Kühne Foundation, will join the celebration.
Alright, time to check out the schedule! The fun kicks off on Friday, June 13 at 5 pm with the official tapping of the barrel, marking the beginning of the Klompen fair. Vlu-Ka-Ge drummers will provide the rhythm, followed by Klompen friends touring the stalls. Don't get too comfortable, as a 6 am gathering is scheduled on Saturday to decorate the entire village for the grand parade on Sunday.
The parade starts on Sunday, June 15 at 11 am on the school grounds. Open to all, the 4-kilometer route promises an adventure that lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. For those who can't (or no longer) walk, there are wagons and the "Radeln ohne Alter" rickshaws. At 1 pm, the official jubilee celebration takes place in the festival tent on the fairgrounds, with free admission! Expect speeches, greetings, dance performances, surprises, and a special honor for former Klompen queens. Holger Teller explains, "The queens are not mere ornaments. They hold the key to the royal couple's existence." Over 30 honors will be awarded, including Helga Hufen, the queen of 1963. The official part wraps up at 5 pm, but the music keeps playing until 8 pm.
On Monday, June 16, it's time to rise and shine for those helping with the communal bread-slicing for the big breakfast. The rest of us gather at 8 am on the school grounds, with breakfast at Wolfgang and Sabine's at 9 am. As tradition demands, the outgoing king and queen will be escorted to the festival tent in wooden shoes, creating a unique symphony of hundreds of clogs on asphalt. Arrival at the festival tent is scheduled for 11 am, with the crowning of the new Klompen King and Queen around 1 pm. And that's when the emotions really ramp up!
The upcoming jubilee is set to be a grand home-and-garden affair, with preparations lasting over a year and the village decorations promising a picturesque sight. The lifestyle of the Klompen community in Neukirchen-Vluyn, characterized by tradition and camaraderie, will be on full display during the festivities.
