If you think cheese markets are just rows of dairy products waiting to be bought, the Alkmaar Cheese Market in the Netherlands will prove you wrong. Imagine a beautiful Dutch town where giant wheels of golden Gouda are stacked perfectly in rows. Here, you will find cheese carriers in uniforms jogging across a cobbled square, negotiating over cheese with rhythmic clapping. Located in the picturesque town of Alkmaar, it’s one of the oldest and most famous cheese markets, dating back to 1593. Here’s a deep dive into this fascinating spectacle:
What Makes The Alkmaar Cheese Market Special?
Every Friday from March through September, the market is held in the historic Waagplein square. In the summer months of July and August, you can also catch it on Tuesday nights. Selling cheese is only one aspect of the Cheese Market; it is also a vibrant event that draws thousands of tourists from all over the world, honouring the art of cheesemaking and its longstanding customs.
The history of cheese trading in Alkmaar dates back to 1365, when the town was given the authority to weigh cheese. The Cheese Carriers’ Guild, a key player in the market even now, was established by 1593. For over 400 years, the guild has been carrying on the centuries-old customs of weighing and transporting cheese in a ceremonial way.
The 30 men, along with one cheese master, make up the Cheese Carriers’ Guild. Known as vemen, the cheese carriers wear white uniforms and different coloured straw hats for each team. These guild members are responsible for pushing enormous cheese wheels on wooden barrows, which can weigh up to 160 kg at times.
Once the cheese is brought to the market, judges clog (tap) on the cheese to assess its texture and quality. Sometimes, they even drill into the cheese to check for evenly distributed holes. But the real deal is the bargaining before the cheese is finally bought. The traditional method of negotiation is handjeklap, where buyers and sellers exchange rhythmic handclaps to settle on a price. Even though the market has changed over the years, this ritual still represents the spirit of the Alkmaar Cheese Market.
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A Cheesy Dutch Tradition
The market opens early in the morning, with cheese deliveries arriving by truck before the square is filled with visitors. At ten in the morning, the market begins when the cheese bell rings. After that, the real work starts: the cheese is carried across the square, weighed, and negotiated. Around noon, when the last batches of cheese are loaded onto carts and driven off to be transported, the market reaches its peak.
The market isn’t just for cheese lovers. There are many different stalls selling delectable Dutch delicacies, regional artwork, and, of course, more cheese throughout the market. After experiencing the bustle of the cheese market, you can unwind and enjoy a delicious cheese sandwich at one of the many quaint cafes in the Waagplein area. The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a tradition that showcases Dutch history, craftsmanship, and culture.
So, if you find yourself in the Netherlands, this vibrant, centuries-old tradition is definitely worth a visit!
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