Volendam

Originally, Volendam was the location of the harbour of nearby city Edam, which was situated at the mouth of the IJ bay.

In 1357, the inhabitants of Edam dug a shorter canal to the Zuiderzee with its own separate harbour. This removed the need for the original harbour, which was then dammed and used for land reclamation. Farmers and local fishermen settled there, forming the new community of Vollendam, which translates to 'Full dam'.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Volendam attracted a diverse community of artists who were captivated by the authentic and picturesque life of the inhabitants of Volendam.

Dutch girl, Otto Piltz (1908)

During that era, Hotel Spaander became a central hub for these artists as it provided accommodations, workshops, and a hospitable environment for artists to nurture their craft. The hotel garnered acclaim within the art world, and the presence of foreign artists at Hotel Spaander made a significant contribution to Volendam's global renown as their artworks, often influenced by Volendam's scenic beauty, further elevated the village's profile and celebrated its unique culture.

Volendammers, Georg Hering (1915)

Barques de Pêche, Paul Signac (1894)

Today, Hotel Spaander maintains an extensive collection of over 1300 artworks created in Volendam, including contemporary pieces acquired through an 'Artist in Residence' program, preserving its rich artistic heritage.[1] Moreover, a significant number of paintings inspired by Volendam adorns the walls of internationally renowned museums, including Tate Britain, National Galery of Art, Ulster Museum, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.

Volendam, Henri Cassiers (1900)

Portret van Hille Butter, Johan Gabrielse (1903)

In the New Year's night of 2000 to 2001, the lighting of a bundle of sparklers caused a short but intense fire at a party in café De Hemel. The sparklers ignited the dry Christmas decorations on the ceiling, which fell down in their entirety. 14 people died and 200 people were seriously injured.

In Volendam, the Volendam dialect is spoken, a unique and regional variant of the West Frisian dialect. The Volendam dialect is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the village of Volendam, and it is still used by the majority of its residents in their daily conversations.

The Volendam traditional costume, known as "Volendammer klederdracht" in Dutch, is an iconic and instantly recognizable attire that hails from the picturesque fishing village of Volendam in the Netherlands. This traditional dress has deep historical roots and continues to be a symbol of the village's cultural identity.

Women in traditional costumes at a traditional festival, 1983

While the traditional costume is no longer worn daily by most Volendam residents, it remains an essential part of the village's identity and is frequently worn during special occasions, celebrations, and cultural festivals like the Volendammer Kermis. It also continues to be a popular choice for tourists who visit Volendam, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this charming Dutch village.

The costume has become an iconic representation of Dutch culture and is often featured in photographs, postcards, and cultural events.

The Volendammer Kermis is an annual festival held in the picturesque fishing village of Volendam in the Netherlands. This vibrant celebration originating in the 18th century typically takes place during the first weekend of September, attracting both locals and visitors from around the country and beyond.

The Volendammer Kermis is a lively and colorful event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Volendam. It spans four days, and throughout the festival, you can expect to find a wide range of attractions, including fairground rides, games, live music performances, and Dutch food and beverages.

The Volendammer Kermis is popular with visitors from throughout the country.