Strao 2023 at the Brouwersdam near Scharendijke by Kees Dorsman

About "Strao 2023 at the Brouwersdam near Scharendijke"

by Kees Dorsman

About the artwork

Strao ! During the period February-March, strao is ridden in six villages on the Dutch island of Schouwen: Burgh-Haamstede, Ellemeet, Scharendijke, Serooskerke, Renesse and Noordwelle. The highlight of strao is washing the horses' feet in the sea, with the rider staying on the horse during the ride. The riders and horses gather at a fixed starting point in the morning, after which they leave for the beach around noon.
There are two explanations for washing the feet: - The salt sea water disinfects the wounds the horses received in the stables during the winter; - The ride exorcises evil spirits. Another important part of the tradition is decorating and judging the horses. For this, the horses are decorated with natural materials and the riders wear original clothes (costumes) as far as possible. The judging is done by a jury composed of villagers. At the end of the ride, the riders return to the village, where they are welcomed by a representation of the municipal administration and the strao committee. The procession will be accompanied by the local music society. On their return, it is announced who has the most beautifully decorated horse and who is the best-dressed rider. As an additional activity, ring-pulling and/or running competitions take place in some centres with the horses and riders who participated in the strao. During strao, schroasels (a kind of flat spice cake) are traditionally eaten. This photo was taken in Zeeland at the Brouwersdam on 11-03-2023