Zeeland (NL) - Part 2 - Domburg and Westkapelle

The first excursion went to Domburg. Nice little town: many shops and restaurants and mainly German guests...

The walk along the promenade on the dune was still worth seeing. Some architectural attractions have also been preserved from the former artists' colony.

In contrast, Westkapelle is smaller and not so fashionable. The tall lighthouse Hoge Licht was originally the church tower. It was built in 1470. When the Spaniards besieged Westkapelle between 1572 and 1574, they completely burned down the village and the church - only the church tower remained. And since the Dutch are practically inclined and the church tower is visible from afar, it was converted into a lighthouse. On March 20, 1818, the first beacon was lit in the tower tip - fueled by whale oil, because it was cheaper than coal.

The zeeuwse Knop, the Zeelandic button, appears everywhere in the city. It is part of the Zeeland costume and has now become a true trend in all possible variations.

Gaaischieten in Westkapelle

The Gaaischieters go back to the old shooting guilds from the Middle Ages and Domburg is indicated as the origin. This tradition is now only preserved in Domburg and Westkapelle. In Gaaischieten, muskets are usually fired at wooden blocks symbolizing a bird. Political statements about the goals are often mounted on boards. The goals are mounted on 3 poles here.

In Westkapelle, Gaaischieten takes place in front of the dike near the Polderhuis Richtung Domburg and is organized by De Gaaischieters. The Gaaischieters sit on a chair and shoot freehand at the targets towards the dike, which is then closed.

The date is always Friday and / or Saturday after the first Wednesday in July between 7.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. Before 7.00 a.m., all Gaaischieters are picked up from home by a drummer. Very interesting! If you are in the area at this time, you should not miss it!