A large procession of Monnickendammers passed through the city last night during All Souls’ Day. They followed the Dance of Death, which was held for the fifteenth time and which is intended to commemorate the dead of recent years. The group that performs the dance is dressed up in the Middle Ages with ‘Death’ in front.
With burning torches and beautiful costumes there is dancing and music. Yet it is very clear that there is no carnival atmosphere here. No, it’s solemn.
The procession stops at three places: people have died there. Everyone bows to the relatives and is silent for a moment. “In principle, we could stop at a whole set of addresses,” says Marten Horjus, who took up the organization this year. “But we will do three because otherwise the journey will take hours, of course that is not possible. Before we come by, this will of course be discussed with the relatives first.”
Dancer Rita van Bavel adds: “If people don’t appreciate it, we won’t come by, of course. But it is often a very special evening for relatives. It is usually very much appreciated.” She has been there fourteen times of the fifteen editions.
Emotional
A lady at the end of the procession tells that she has moved to Monnickendam because her husband has passed away. She commemorates him this evening. “Commemorating the dead, I think that’s important. It’s always a bit emotional when you see it go by like this.”
Afterwards, the Monnickendammers raise a glass to the Mennonite Vermaning. To each other and to life. And that it can only take a long time before the procession is at your door.