An interview with Pieter Verhoeve, Mayor of Gouda
In the Middle Ages, it was the court jesters and children who were allowed to speak the truth and engage in mockery, just as comedians and satirists do today.
“That is incredibly important,” says Mayor Pieter Verhoeve. “Humor and self-deprecation allow us to let off steam. That’s certainly very liberating in times of social tension. Zotte Zaterdag gives us the chance to let go, laugh, and not always take ourselves too seriously. That’s what makes the festival so unique and joyful.”
Verhoeve is enthusiastic about how the festival celebrates our cultural and historical roots with creativity and a touch of mischief, with a playful nod to the humanist Erasmus.
“Zotte Zaterdag is a perfect fit for Gouda, because here we can tell the story of Erasmus in a unique way. This city, once a monastic town with no fewer than eleven monasteries, exudes history. You can still see traces of that in the old towers, churches, and the beautiful City Hall where the market takes place every week.”
For more than 750 years, the Market Square has been the beating heart of Gouda.
“People of all ages and backgrounds come together here. Whether you’re young or old, rich or poor, at the market you hear the real stories. It’s a place where we experience the diversity of our city, and that is priceless.”
During Crazy Saturday, the city buzzes with even more energy as the historic setting comes to life with parades, performances, and colorful costumes.
“At moments like these, you can feel the excitement in the city. Gouda is a place steeped in history and fun, where you can always discover something new.”
Erasmus, who completed his priestly training in Gouda, is proudly mentioned by Verhoeve: ‘Although several cities like to claim him, Gouda can be proud of its historical connection to this intellectual giant. His “Praise of Folly” (1511) was one of the world’s first bestsellers. It is a playful yet sharp critique of human folly.’
Zotte Zaterdag brings the spirit of freedom and satire to life and keeps Erasmus’ legacy alive and well.
‘Gouda is still a city where there is room for new ideas. In St. John’s Church, on Window 1, stands the powerful inscription: “Thought is free, faith is free.” This was a remarkable message in a time of religious wars and burnings at the stake. Erasmus emphasized that everyone is free to think and believe as they wish. These principles are at the heart of our constitutional state.’
The festival offers more than just entertainment.
“Crazy Saturday is an experience for all your senses, with medieval parades, spectacles, food, and drinks. Here, you can be yourself. Humor and self-deprecation are essential. They help us respect one another and keep things in perspective. That is what Erasmus teaches us.”
“Erasmus advocated for the power of bottom-up thinking—that is, thinking centered on people rather than power. This strikes at the heart of Dutch culture and makes his principles more relevant than ever. How do we hold society together? What binds us? Our language, legal system, constitution, and traditions. Erasmus offered us some important advice: Respect one another as human beings; you may be different, but you are all equal.”
“Crazy Saturday fits right in with this: Crazy behavior wards off old age and prolongs youth; it shows you that you are valuable, but also that you need to be able to laugh at yourself. Erasmus, for that matter, was no saint himself—he could complain and grumble quite a bit; he was just like us, human.”
“So celebrate joy, peace, and humor. Let’s laugh at our quirks and treat each other with respect. That is the spirit of Erasmus, which lives on in Gouda. Have a great time at the latest edition of Zotte Zaterdag on October 26!”
QUOTES
“Crazy Saturday gives us the chance to let loose, laugh, and not always take ourselves too seriously.”
“Crazy Saturday is a perfect fit for Gouda, because here we can tell the story of Erasmus in a unique way.”
‘Gouda is still a city where there is room for new ideas.’
‘Celebrate joy, peace, and humor.’
‘Let’s laugh at our quirks and treat each other with respect.’
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Crazy Saturday is a flagship event in Gouda and is organized annually by Cultuurhuis Garenspinnerij – De Kunstmachine. Gouda celebrates Zotte Zaterdag as a tribute to Desiderius Erasmus and his timeless free-thinking. In the waning days of the Middle Ages, the famous native of Gouda wrote his book *In Praise of Folly*; a satire on all manner of abuses of that era, in which humor and profundity come together. Many of his stories remain relevant and indispensable to this day. Zotte Zaterdag 2024 is made possible in part by the Fund for Cultural Participation, the Municipality of Gouda, GoudApot, Het Cultuurfonds, Rabobank, Markt Gouda, and Albert Heijn, Markt – Gouda branch.
CRAZY SATURDAY – Medieval Festival in Gouda
Music, dance, crafts, street theater, activities, food, and drinks in Gouda’s historic city center
Saturday, October 26 – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Free admission
For more information, visit: zottezaterdag.nl
