English

The old town of Schagen is famous for its West-Frisian Market. The West-Frisian markets were held annually from 1955 between late June and early September. Since 1966, they take place on ten Thursdays each year. The streetmarkets were initiated to further stimulate the growing amount of tourism at a time in which the cattle markets' importance was diminishing. The markets have attracted 150,000 to 200,000 visitors from outside Schagen each season for many years. The highlight is the parade of 20-25 carriages (gigs, landaus, a street organ and a fire engine from 1912) pulled by handsome, predominantly Frisian horses. The people on and around the carriages are dressed in historically accurate costumes from around 1900. The mounted police and music band “De Uienhoop” lead the parade.

Every Thursday from the end of June till the beginning of September West-Frisian assemble in the “Nieuwe Laagzijde” street to form a colourful procession. At 10.45 am the unique pageant is put into motion – the peasant wind band “De Uienhoop” preceding the West-Frisians in original peasant costumes, some participants riding in horse drawn carriages. There are also folkloric dances (by children as well) on a stage before the church on the Markt. Beginning at 11.30 am with children’s - and adult West-Frisian dance groups. There is a goods market with stand workers.

Every West-Frisian Market Thursday has a theme, like children's day (with traditional children's games), days of music and dance, tilt at the ring day, animal day (with a national goat inspection, a pony show and sheep shearing), and a day of old crafts. We offer a varied programme until the late afternoon. The West-Frisian Markets in Schagen and especially the parade are listed as special attractions in the Green Michelin Guide.

Approximately constructed on the old foundations, the rebuilt “Castle of Schagen” will take a privileged place in the centre of Schagen and the West-Frisian region. Besides having the function of a wedding-room, it will also fulfil duties as a cultural- historical establishment.

Schagen has excellent shopping facilities and invites you to have a shopping spree on market days all year round , and offers a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, terrace cafés, swimming pool, bowling alleys and tennis courts. Schagen is well worth more than one visit !!