Gouda,... not just cheese!

Gouda has a wonderful annual event prior to Christmas: "Gouda bij Kaarslicht".
All lights on the market square around City Hall and in the surrounding houses are switched off and the entire place is lit by candles only in nevery visible window.

A spectacular sight!

Mayor Wim Cornelis holds a speech and Carols are sung around a giant Christmas tree - a gift from the Norwegian town of Kongsberg - in front of City Hall.

This year our Queen Beatrix attended the event, which therefore drew a larger crowd than other years. For the third time our Christmas Brass ensemble performed two sets on the square tonight.