450 years ago, the Watergeuzen stormed into Monnickendam to liberate the inhabitants from the Spaniards. Today it happened again, but in a slightly different way. Actors are preparing for the celebration of 450 years of the Battle of the Zuiderzee and today was the rehearsal of an important chapter in that history: the storming of the Zuiderpoort.
From 6 to 16 July there are many activities in the city, which is already completely decorated with flags, banners and shields. About one of those shields arose this week commotionbut this Sunday there is no sign of that anymore when residents curiously come to watch the rehearsal.
Ed Willms of the Oud Monnickendam Association also came. While looking at all the people in traditional costume, he explains: “There weren’t really many Spaniards here. After the storming of the gate, Monnickendam was taken over by the Beggars.”
Procession towards the church
A parade starts through the city and at the Speeltoren we meet Theo Hoogland. He is a board member of 450 years of the Battle of the Zuiderzee and also knows what happened. “Four Beggars were imprisoned here. They were freed and then taken to a council meeting. The whole mob went to church to force Cornelis Dirkszoon to become the new mayor.”
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It happens. Willms: “Cornelis Dirkszoon was proclaimed as mayor, then as admiral of the Beggar fleet and then won the Battle of the Zuiderzee. It was a big, but also an important battle. It was one of the first major battles after Den Briel and Alkmaar that the water beggars won.”
So today was the rehearsal, Thursday evening 6 July is the ‘real’ storming of the Zuiderzeepoort. The rest of the program is via this link to watch.