Sneekweek

History
After the French era, in 1814, a sailing trip to Joure was organized when it was announced that Sneek's Jacob Sjoukes Visser had deserted from the French military service and safely arrived in Joure. This event was well-received, and annual sailing races began to take place. This eventually evolved into the Sneeker Hardzeildag. The races around this day grew, and in 1935, the first weekly Sneekweek was organized. The 75th edition took place in 2010, with Queen Beatrix attending, accompanied by the Groene Draeck.

Today
Today, the Sneekweek is the largest event on the inland waters of Europe. It begins on the Friday before the first Saturday of August with a fleet review (a show with hundreds of boats and fireworks). The Sneekweek lasts until the Thursday after. Wednesday is known as Hardzeildag, the second-to-last race day, and features a large street market in the city. During the Sneekweek, the entire city center hosts a big music festival with stages at various locations, including Marktstraat, Wijde Noorderhorne, Vismarktplein, Wip, and, of course, Starteiland. On Sunday, it's a Koopzondag (Shopping Sunday) in the center. The Friday after the Sneekweek, there's an art and book market at Grootzand.

Hardzeildag
Hardzeildag during the Sneekweek takes place every year on the Wednesday after the first Friday in August. Its origins trace back to the Admiraalzeilen, races held in honor of the Orange Stadtholder. These traditions were interrupted by the arrival of the French at the end of the 17th century. On Hardzeildag, one of the highlights is the Friesland-Holland race, where the Frisians compete against the Dutch. Additionally, a large street market is held in the center of Sneek, complemented by all the events surrounding the Sneekweek.