Heideweek

Heath in bloom near Ede

Heideweek is a week of festivities in Ede, Netherlands. Each year, the blossoming of the heath is celebrated. The people of Ede choose a heath queen and princess. A parade goes through the centre and suburbs of Ede, and festivities are scheduled for the Museum square area, including live music.

History

In 1935 the chairman of the local VVV decided to organize a Heideweek. The purpose of this was to attract more tourists to Ede and thus provide more income for the local shopkeepers. It became a great success and the event was organized annually until mobilization in 1939. From 1946 to 1977, a Heideweek was not organized every year, but from 1978 it was again uninterrupted.