Costume: where customs and culture meet
Straô
Ever heard of Straô? Probably not, but it’s an age-old tradition in Schouwen-Duiveland. From February to March, as part of a special ritual, horse riders wash the legs of their decorated working horses in the sea to ‘cleanse’ them for the coming year. This spectacle, with horses, ribbons and traditional costumes, is quite unique. Would you like to experience this spectacle yourself? If so, read here everything you need to know about Straô.
An age-old tradition in Schouwen-Duiveland
Straô, also called Straô rieën, is recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage Netherlands and attracts countless visitors each year. The ritual is unique in the Netherlands and offers an insight into the culture of Zeeland. The ritual on the beach and the festivities in the villages are a marvel to see. You can enjoy the festivities, sample local cuisine and experience the ritual at close quarters.
In the morning, the riders assemble with their decorated working horses in the village and then follow in procession to the beach, accompanied by a hornblower. On the beach, they symbolically wash the horses’ legs in the sea water. The horses and their riders dressed in their traditional costume give the whole ritual a historic touch. The event ends with a contest for the best decorations and the best dressed riders.
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Zeeland’s culture and traditions
Location and period
Straô is celebrated every year between mid-February and the end of March, with celebrations being held in different villages every weekend in Schouwen-Duiveland. Villages which take part are: Renesse, Noordwelle, Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Scharendijke and Serooskerke. That means that you can enjoy the pageant and tradition of the Straô in a different village every weekend. The festivities vary in size, but the ritual itself is always a major highlight for the local community and the visitors who attend.
Activities and celebrations
In addition to the washing of the horses, additional activities are also organised, including tilting-at-the-ring competitions, where riders gallop towards a ring and attempt to hit it with a lance. The day ends with celebrations where local delicacies such as Zeeland “schroâsels” are served. This is a fried cake sprinkled with icing sugar, a popular treat in Zeeland.
