Bouma, Anne Wyke (2024) Elfstedentocht & Frisian Regional Identity. Master thesis, Cultural Geography - Tourism Geography and Planning (TGP).
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Abstract
This thesis explores the significance of the Elfstedentocht of 1985 for the Frisian regional identity. The Elfstedentocht is an ice skating marathon, visiting all eleven cities of the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. The tour can only be organised when ice conditions permit, which has only happened 15 times officially since 1909. While ice skating is part of the broader Dutch culture, the Elfstedentocht has Frisian roots and can only take place there. By conducting oral histories with participants of the Elfstedentocht, it was investigated to what extent their memories of that day include elements of the Frisian identity. The findings reveal that the Elfstedentocht embodies Frisian identity through the Frisian language used, the landscape they skate through, and a sense of community that persists during the event. Besides reflecting identity characteristics, it is also found that the Elfstedentocht is a moment when the Frisian identity is promoted, as Friesland receives both national and international attention on that day boosting the Frisian identity. Furthermore, it can be observed that this Dutch cultural heritage is threatens by global warming, leading to the disappearance of part of the cultural identity of the Netherlands. Therefore, narratives related to this event should be preserved. It is recommended to carry out future research on the significance of the Elfstedentocht for the Frisian identity according to the youth. Key words: Elfstedentocht, Regional Identity, Friesland, Cultural Heritage
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Rosenbergova, S. |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Jul 2024 09:46 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jul 2024 09:46 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/529 |
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