Utrecht province boosts support for local traditions and crafts
Utrecht is investing in preserving its rich cultural heritage, from flower parades to miller’s crafts. Residents and heritage communities will receive extra support to keep traditions alive for future generations, ensuring local identity thrives.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Province | Utrecht |
| Focus | Intangible heritage (traditions, crafts, celebrations, regional languages) |
| Target Groups | Heritage communities, residents, younger generations |
| Key Actions | Network building, visibility, awareness, education |
| Examples of Traditions | Flower parade (Leersum), Cattle Market (Woerden), St. Martin’s Day parade |
| Policy Program | Culture & Heritage 2025-2028 |
| Contact for Press | 06-34543242 |
The Province of Utrecht oversees cultural policy, including the preservation and promotion of intangible heritage. It collaborates with local communities and institutions to safeguard traditions and ensure they remain relevant for future generations.
Read the full translated article below
Extra effort for traditions, crafts, and celebrations in Utrecht province
Intangible heritage is heritage that lives on! In traditions, celebrations, crafts, regional languages, and customs that are passed down from generation to generation and are continually reshaped. Take April 1, for example—the day when we play pranks on each other. A custom passed down through generations, with new and original jokes every year. This shows how everyday such traditions can be.
And traditions, celebrations, and crafts—we have plenty of those in the province. Just like the residents who cherish and keep this heritage alive. Think of the flower parade in Leersum, the Cattle Market in Woerden, the St. Martin’s Day parade in Utrecht, or the miller’s craft. And there are many more customs, stories, and traditions that give our province its vibrant character.
Part of the Story of Utrecht
All this intangible heritage is closely intertwined with the history and identity of our cities, villages, and neighborhoods. It thus forms an essential part of the Story of Utrecht, our provincial history.
Deputy Rob van Muilekom: “In the coming years, we as a province will make extra efforts to strengthen this living heritage. The focus will be on the people who have a strong passion for this heritage and are committed to practicing and passing it on: the so-called heritage communities. We will do this explicitly in collaboration with them. After all, they know best what is needed to secure the future of intangible heritage.”
What will the province do?
- build and invest in a strong network of heritage communities, so they can continue to practice, develop, and pass on their activities in a way that suits them;
- increase the visibility of intangible heritage, so more people can engage with it;
- promote greater awareness and support, both within our own organization, among municipalities, and at heritage institutions;
- contribute to the transmission of heritage, for example through education and by involving younger generations.
Heritage as a unifying force
Intangible heritage connects people. It brings generations together, strengthens the sense of home, and fosters recognition and pride in villages, neighborhoods, and cities. By investing in it together, this heritage will remain meaningful in the future.
Want to know more?
Want to learn more about the policy on culture and heritage? View the provincial policy program Culture & Heritage.
For press information: 634543242