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The Poaskearls of Ootmarsum
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In Ootmarsum, Easter is more than a day off and a brunch. Every year a special tradition revives here that is not experienced so intensely anywhere else in the Netherlands. The Poaskearls, eight young men in long coats and hats, lead age-old rituals that draw visitors from far and wide. The highlight? The vlöggeln - an impressive parade of people singing hand in hand through the historic town.
A mysterious tradition straight from the heart of Twente
In Ootmarsum, Easter is not a celebration of just eggs and chocolate. Here it stands for connection, faith and a unique ritual that has been passed down for generations: the vlöggeln. Central to this are the Poaskearls - single Catholic men in their early twenties, who together prepare, lead and perform the Easter celebration.
From the first Sunday of Lent, they take their task seriously. They arrange the wood, straw and kerosene for the Easter fire, find a suitable place for the woodpile and invite two new Poaskearls to join the group. The community helps. Always.
Recognizable in long raincoat and hat
Anyone walking through the streets of Ootmarsum at Easter recognizes them immediately: the eight Poaskearls, with their long beige raincoat, black pants and hat. In that outfit they carry not only their task, but also the weight of tradition. For four years they may be Poaskearl - courtship is allowed, marriage is not.
On Easter Saturday, the fire (the boaken) is built up. Then the voice of the town crier also sounds, officially announcing the Easter celebration. And when evening falls on Easter Sunday, around 5 p.m., it happens: the vlöggeln begins.
Hand in hand through the streets
Leading the way are the Poaskearls. Behind them a long string of people, hand in hand, singing through the streets of Ootmarsum. The oldest Poaskearl traditionally smokes a cigar. It is an image you don't easily forget: the garland of people moving through the town like a ribbon.
At the end, the children are lifted up three times. Each time "hurrah" sounds - a powerful, loving symbol of the resurrection. At 8:30 p.m., the Poaskearls light the Easter fire. A magical moment. And on Easter Monday? Then they all just do it again.
A living ritual, carried by an entire community
Although the Poaskearls are the focal point, this tradition lives throughout the city. Café owners, cargo farmers, residents of characteristic houses with a stiepel: all contribute their bit. Many former residents return to Ootmarsum especially at Easter. And more and more visitors from outside Twente discover the power of this unique heritage.
Come and experience it for yourself
Do you want to really experience Easter for once? Then come to Ootmarsum and experience vlöggeln for yourself. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere, the fire, the songs and the solidarity. Because some traditions you should not only read - you should feel them.
📍 When?
First Easter Day: vlöggeln from 5 p.m., Easter fire at 8:30 p.m.
Easter Monday: repeat of the vlöggeln
📍 Where?
Center of Ootmarsum and the Easter Meadow
✨ Want to know more about this tradition or plan your visit? Click here and find out why Ootmarsum is the beating heart of Twente at Easter.
