Where the little ball touches the hearts of many
Perhaps the true sports lover already knows the sport of kaatsen, a ball game particularly practised by the Frisians. It is a small sport with a rich history. Even William of Orange played this ball game! The capital of kaatsen is Franeker, with the annual highlight: the PC kaatsen match around 1 August.
In Franeker you will find the ‘sacred grass’ of the Sjûkelân where the PC kaatsen match is played, but there is also a Keatsmuseum and a kaatsen walk. Everywhere in the town you will find references to the love for the little ball.
The Wimbledon of kaatsen
Kaatsen is the original form of tennis as we know it today. The only difference is that the kaatsen players hit the ball with the hand and not with a racket. The PC kaatsen match (PC stands for Permanente Commissie, or Permanent Committee) has been held every year in Franeker since its start in 1853. Because it is the oldest Dutch sporting classic, this day has a great appeal to Frisians and sports lovers. The match is still a stronghold of traditions and is therefore often compared to its counterpart in London, the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The whole town is celebrating.
During the PC, commercial activities such as advertising along the pitch are prohibited, and the eventual winner is crowned king.
Discover everything about this Frisian sport in the Keatsmuseum