Everyone ends up at the Zeedijk area at some point. The neighborhood that is one of the first you run into coming from Central Station. One of the first you end up in when leaving the Red Light district. One of the first places you go for good Asian cuisine. Zeedijk has lots of unique things to offer a visitor.

And this weekend, August 18th and 19th, it will host another edition of a very odd ritual that has become a tradition. Hartjesdagen was and is a huge street performer festival that takes place on the Zeedijk. It is especially known for the singing competition and a drag queen competition that has risen to great fame. To spice things up even more, right on the Nieuwmarkt (New Market Square) there will be a circus!

Apparently no one knows for sure when Hartjesdagen started, but it is believed to go back to the middle ages. Sort of like a mini renaissance festival on the street. Considering the location, it is sure to be a huge mix of tourists and locals, so chances are you may accidently run into the festivities no matter what this weekend.