Colors of Breda - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Breda never ceases to conquer hearts of tourists with its hospitable and cozy atmosphere. Local people are friendly and easy-going. They have a positive outlook on life, and their unusual holidays and celebrations are just another proof of that. For example, on the first weekend of September, a very unusual festival takes place in Breda – Roodharigendag or the festival of red-haired people. It is a wonderful and cheerful holiday that is impossible to find anywhere else in the world.

The festival took place in the city for the first time in 2006. Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst is considered the founder of the unusual event. He made an announcement in a local newspaper, in which he offered all red-haired people to participate in a very unusual event – to become models for portraits. Nearly a hundred and a half people responded to the advertisement. They gathered on a square and were watching the master at his work.

While waiting for their turn, people relaxed, had fun, sang songs, and were communicating with each other. Locals fell in love with this “sunny” event so much that it was decided to organize such an unusual celebration every year. The number of participants grows every year. Nowadays, not only residents of Breda participate in this holiday but also tourists from different countries. During the two-day festival, visitors can participate in colorful parades, watch performances of music bands, attend interesting lectures and seminars. It is important to mention that many participants aren’t naturally red-haired – they simply dye their hair before the festival. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The annual festival of air-balloons is a no less interesting event. It regularly takes place in the suburban region of Breda – the settlement of Rietdijk. In accordance with an old and good tradition, the festival takes place in August and lasts three days. Giant air-balloons fly high, making the sky above the city truly mesmerizing. All participants try to design their air-balloons in the most creative and unusual way. Guests of the festival are not passive viewers as they are welcome to fly on the balloon they like and enjoy a breath-taking panorama of the area from a bird’s eye view. Participants prepare for this event a whole year, so there’s no wonder why so many tourists attend the festival.

Breda is a true mecca for fans of jazz thanks to a wonderful event that takes place every year in this Dutch city. Starting from 1971, the Breda Jazz Festival has become an important event in the life of the region. The four-day event usually starts on Ascension Day on the Grote Markt. The festival has several stages, both indoor and outdoor, and each of them features a different style of jazz and other characteristics. Initially, the festival was held on two indoor stages – the Chasséveld Hall and the Turfschip, but later it was decided to add two more outdoor stages on the Grote Markt and the Havermarkt. Now organizers often add even more outdoor stages to cope with the growing demand.

The fantastic music event mostly focuses on traditional jazz styles that appeared before 1940. Later, such musicians as Dan Barrett, Tom Baker, and Jim Goodwin introduced swing to guests of the festival. Starting from the nineties of the previous century, it was decided to broaden the specter of music styles, and a number of jazz-related music styles appeared in the lineup. Thanks to a special relationship between Dutch and Japanese jazz musicians, the Kobe Jazz Street Festival and Breda Jazz Festival have a special relationship. During the Breda event, the most promising street jazz musicians get a special reward – the Kobe Jazz Street Award and an invitation to participate in the Japanese event.