The celebrations are held each year on August 28 to commemorate the city’s steadfastness in the face of a siege by the Bishop of Munster in 1672
Translated by Thomas Ansell
The city of Groningen’s traditional commemoration of its resistance against a barrage and attempted invasion by the Bishop of Munster in 1672, called the ‘Gronings Ontzet’ or ‘Bommen Berend’, will have a scaled down celebration this year. As reported by the GIC.
The culprit, naturally, is the Coronavirus pandemic. The committee in charge of organising the commemorations has spoken with the Gemeente Groningen, and though some activities will go ahead there is to be no large show (usually featuring dancing horses), nor a huge fireworks display.
It is possible that a funfair will be put on, and that kids activities on the Nieuwe Markt (by the Forum) will also go ahead. Organisers and the Gemeente Groningen are also looking int the possibility of creating a giant linear terrace along the Hoge er A, as well as a ‘culinary tour’ around various restaurants in the city.
A digital programme will certainly go ahead, to include a pub quiz, and live-streamed performances from inside the Forum.
Image by Johann van der Geest from Pixabay
