06/10/2026
WHY SHOULD YOU BE IN GOUDA ON THIS “CRAZY” DAY? 🤪🏰
On October 17, Gouda goes a little crazy for one day — and I definitely recommend experiencing it!
Once a year, the historic centre transforms into medieval Holland. Jesters and merchants, elegant ladies and beggars, musicians, swordsmen and other characters from the past take over the streets.
This is Zotte Zaterdag — “Crazy Saturday.”
📖 But what does Erasmus of Rotterdam have to do with it?
Erasmus spent part of his youth in Gouda, studied here and later lived in a nearby monastery. The festival’s name refers to his famous “In Praise of Folly” — Lof der Zotheid.
This year marks the 14th edition of Zotte Zaterdag, inspired by the words of Erasmus:
“Wat mooi is, kost moeite” — “Beautiful things require effort.”
What should you see on October 17?
At 11:15, the Zotte Parade begins — a colourful procession featuring Erasmus and his mother Margaret, Jacqueline of Bavaria, noble ladies, merchants, swordsmen and other characters from the past.
Then simply lose yourself in old Gouda!
🎶 Medieval music and street performances.
⚔️ Historical sword fighting and traditional crafts such as weaving, spinning and candle making.
🐉 At Arti Legi, discover the interactive story “Martinus verslaat de draak” (Martin Defeats the Dragon) — especially fun for children.
👩👦 At 13:00 and 15:00, join a 45-minute walk through Gouda with… Erasmus’s mother! She’ll take you to places connected with his childhood and share stories about medieval Gouda.
🍺🧀 Behind De Waag, look out for pies, soup, caeswafels, mead and local b**r.
You can even cruise Gouda’s historic canals aboard a traditional boat with a crew dressed in period costumes.
📅 October 17, 2026
⏰ 11:00–16:30
🎟 Free admission
As a guide in the Netherlands, my advice is simple: if you’ve been meaning to discover Gouda, this is the day to do it.
You can see ordinary Gouda all year round.
But crazy Gouda? Only once a year. 🤪
❤️ Send this post to someone you’d happily go a little crazy with in medieval Gouda!
