Every year on December 12th, or the twelfth of the twelfth, Texel celebrates the unique folk festival of Ouwe Sunderklaas. Also known locally as “Ouwe Sunder,” this is the tradition where islanders gather for humor, creativity, and conviviality.
Speulen: current affairs with a wink
During Ouwe Sunderklaas, Texel residents in every village reenact the highs and lows of the past year, a tradition known on Texel as “speulen.” The “speulen” (literally “speulen”) remain secretive about their antics until the very end, appearing in creative disguises to poke fun at current events. A golden rule: after the “speulen,” everyone must be able to look each other in the eye.
Suitable for young and old
Ouwe Sunderklaas is a celebration for all ages. The children kick off the festivities at 5:00 PM with homemade plays and costumes, followed by the adults who perform their humorous acts in lavish creations. In each village, a jury judges the performers on originality and performance, after which the winners are announced.
Party in every village
After the performances, the festivities spill over into the village pubs, where Ouwe Sunderklaas concludes in a festive atmosphere. But the fun doesn’t stop there: the next day, the Texel residents gather once again to wrap up the festivities in style with “naklazen” (after-songs).
