Welcome

Jopenfestival September 12th and 13th on the Grote Markt in Haarlem

This year the Jopenfestival has been invited by the City Haarlem to be staged on the Grote Markt, the big market square in the centre of the city. And not only on Sunday but also on Saturday.

And we tend to go large in 16th century style. Take a look in 15 big tents of a tournament decorated historically. Also look at all kinds off arts and crafts, there will be a big farm on Saturday. A big stage will be the spot for performances and for the Count and his court to watch the big tournament. Old songs, late medieval music and rough Gothic music will be there to be listened at.

There will be demonstations with bow and arrow and for the children there will be a special programm with lots of games, a puppets theater and a nice "do-it-yourself" excursion.

This year we have especially contracted two groups from the Czech Republic with some special performances. Finally the Count of Holland will be there to visit the "Gravenzaal" in Haarlem city hall.

Also this year the traditional Jopen Beer will be available. By attending this festival big Jopen will cellebrate its 15 year anniversary at the spot where it all started. Especially for the events of the weekend they have brewed a new beer, Jopen Gerstebier. Read more about this beer here.

Saturday at 9.30AM, the festival will be opened with the march of the Garrison starting at the Waag to the Grote Markt. Then at 10.30 AM the festival will start at the market.

Also on Sunday the festival will be open for public at 10.30 AM.