Alkmaar Cheese Market
Noord-Holland
The Alkmaar Cheese Market, held on the historic Waagplein in Alkmaar, Netherlands, is a centuries-old tradition dating back over 400 years. It remains the only Dutch city where cheese is traded in the traditional manner, attracting around 170,000 visitors annually. The market operates primarily on Friday mornings from late March to late September, with additional evening markets in July and August. The event features four teams of cheese carriers, members of the Alkmaar Cheese Carriers Guild founded in 1593, who transport and weigh large rounds of Gouda-style cheese. Prices are negotiated through lively handclaps and handshakes, preserving the authentic trading ritual. The market setting next to the monumental Waag building and the presence of cheese maidens and, since 2019, cheese boys in traditional dress enhance the cultural atmosphere. Visitors can learn about the guild's roles, the weighing process, and the quality inspection of the cheese, all explained in multiple languages. The market is not only a commercial event but a vibrant cultural spectacle reflecting Dutch heritage and community spirit.
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Consiglio: Visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market on Friday mornings between late March and late September for the full traditional experience, or attend the special Tuesday evening markets in July and August. Arrive early to see the cheese carriers prepare and to secure good viewing spots. Tickets or entrance are generally free, but arriving early helps avoid crowds. Guided tours and multilingual explanations enrich the visit. Consider combining the market visit with exploring Alkmaar's historic center. Check the official Alkmaar tourism website for the latest schedules and possible special events.
Fatti interessanti
- •The Alkmaar Cheese Market is over 400 years old and has been held continuously since the 17th century.
- •The Cheese Carriers Guild was founded on June 17, 1593, and organizes the carrying and weighing of cheese.
- •Four teams of cheese carriers distinguish themselves by different colored hat ribbons: yellow, red, blue, and green.
- •The market involves lively handclaps and handshakes to negotiate cheese prices, a tradition preserved for centuries.
- •In the early 20th century, a fifth team with orange ribbons briefly existed from 1911 to 1919.
- •Since 2019, cheese boys have joined the cheese maidens, dressed in traditional attire and posing for photos with visitors.
Storia
The Alkmaar Cheese Market has been held for over four centuries, with historical records showing it was a major trading event in the 18th century, operating up to four days a week and trading around 300 tons of cheese per market day.
Since 1939, Alkmaar has been the only city to maintain the traditional cheese trading method.
The Cheese Carriers Guild, established in 1593, organizes the market, preserving its historical roles and customs.
The market reflects Alkmaar's rich history as a trading city, with the Waag building serving as a central point for weighing and inspecting cheese.
Over the centuries, the event evolved from trading mostly Edam cheese to focusing on Gouda-style cheeses from South Holland.
Guida del luogo
Waag Building17th century
A monumental historical building on the Waagplein where the cheese is weighed and inspected. It serves as the market's focal point and houses the weighing scales and quality inspectors.
Cheese Carriers Guild1593
Founded in 1593, this guild organizes the teams of cheese carriers who transport large rounds of cheese on wooden barrows. The carriers wear white outfits and straw hats with colored ribbons indicating their team affiliation.
Cheese Trading Ritual
The market begins at 10:00 AM with a bell. Cheese is loaded onto carriers' barrows, transported to the weigh scales, and weighed. Quality inspectors evaluate the cheese while traders negotiate prices with handclaps and handshakes, preserving a centuries-old tradition.
