Cow has the wrong date for Cow Market... hilarious video, made prior to Cow Market 2017!
Cow Market Woerden originates from 1410. That year, duke Jan van Beieren earned the privilege of organizing a free annual market for horses and cattle. The markets were organized on different days back then. In the course of time more activities were added: funfair, musicians, street vendors and stunt workers. Even though the dates changed in the course of time, two seperate markets were organized until 1935: the Horse Market was held on the Monday after October 18th and the Cattle Market was held on the Wednesday after October 20th. The date of the Cattle Market has stayed the same ever since. The animals that are seen on the market today, as well as the trade that still takes place, have a symbolic function. Eating Dutch Pea Soup and Dutch Mini Pancakes are traditions that have survived the innovations of entertainment in modern times.
Since the early 1990's, the 'Night of Woerden' has been an important part of the Cow Market tradition. Since 2000, the International Cyclo-cross (wielerronde van Kiremko) takes place during the Night of Woerden.