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| The photo on the left is the church at Lemiers, near the present Vaals, it is at least 10 centuries old, and is typical of the style of churches that was built during this period. It is now the only one left in the entire country, whch shows the style and building methods used. From there onwards, as the coutry and Limburg grew richer, the discovery of large coal deposits in Limburg and the work provided by the new coalmines, the history of being governed by first Spain, then France, then a small rebellion between the Dutch and the Belgians, to decide if Limburg would be Dutch or Belgian. (The Dutch won), The strict control exercised by the Roman Catholic Church, the traditions and practises that grew around the different Religious festivals formed the nature of the Limburger, Their unique language which is neither Dutch or German, or French or English, but appears to be a hybred of all of them. Their 'Carnaval', The 'Schuttersfeest', "Kermis" and lots of other celebrations. Not to forget the 'vreigelen' (Discussions) about the "buutterrednerskampioenschappen', a real mouthfull in more ways then one. |
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| Carnaval , Kermis and lots more. Carnaval is not just a three day festival prior to lent. There are all the carnavals groups, the Carnavals-establishments, their members, discussions and meetings that start months and months prior to ensure that the three days are spend in total merrymaking, and drowned in beer. |
| The 'Buuterredner' |
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| Kermis a folkfestival which is normally celebrated away from the larger cities, and preferably in your 'birthplace' or village. Here Limburge Vla is produced en- masse. (A type of flan) Consisting of rice,plums, apricots, cherries, and virtually any other fruit you would like to name. This is accompanied by 'mountains' of sandwiches containing fresh farmham, raw ham, and to be used with an 'Elske' after almost each bite, to be followed by a further 'Elske', and another, and another. |
| And then for good measure there are also the festivals of Old Year, New Year, Three Kings, Christmas, Easter, Half Lent, St Meerten, St Nicholas, and........ You just name them. Then there are the 'contests' in great variety for, marching bands, standing bands, pipe bands, drumcorps, fanfares, choirs for men, for women, for boys, for girls, just choirs, or rooster crowing, pig calling, horses, pidgeons and the youth with their 'jazz' and 'popfestivals'. All have to be accompanied by 'lakes' of beer and 'mountains' of food |
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