Dutch Fest at the Immigration Museum..
Image: Rodney Start
Source: Museum Victoria
The spirit of Melbourne’s Dutch community was on show for one fabulous day at the Immigration Museum – and there wasn’t a windmill in sight.
A near-record crowd of 2000 visitors to the Dutch Festival on Sunday 8 October were greeted by an accordion player, volunteers in traditional costume and row upon row of tulips.
Visitors enjoyed playing traditional sjoelbakken (shuffle board), watched clog dancing performances from the renowned Tukkers group, listened to poetry readings and caught up with old friends at the Festival’s associated ship reunion.
Children who attended sang Dutch songs, listened to stories in Dutch and made pipe-cleaner tulips and decorated tiles in the tradition of Delft blue porcelain.
Dutch music throughout the day provided a fitting accompaniment to a feast of Dutch beef croquettes, Fricandellen sausages and Dutch Gouda Rolls, along with plenty of Grolsch beer to help wash it all down!