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History of the fishing village from the dam to the present day

Volendam is a place where every stone holds the memory of the sea and the fishing past. The village appeared on the map of the Netherlands for a reason: in 1357, residents of neighboring Edam dug a channel from Lake Purmer to the Zuiderzee bay, and the old harbor was flooded for land reclamation. Thus a new port was born, which over time became one of the most colorful corners of the country. Founded in 1357 as a new harbor, Volendam has preserved its identity through the centuries.

The name of the village speaks for itself. It comes from the Dutch words Voll (to fill) and dam (dam) — Filled dam — a direct reference to how this harbor was constructed. When the old channel was flooded to drain the land, a dam was built on its site, which gave the settlement its name. Today, a walk through the historic center allows you to feel that very atmosphere of a fishing village, where houses stand close to each other and narrow streets lead straight to the water.

Paling sound — the musical voice of eels

If you ask any Dutch person about Volendam, the first thing that comes to mind is music. It was here that the unique genre of paling sound was born, literally "eel sound." The name refers to the village's fishing past: paling in Dutch means eel, and sound means sound. The first mention of the term appeared in the newspaper Het Vrije Volk in March 1968, and since then this word has become synonymous with an entire musical era.

Paling sound emerged in the late 1960s — early 1970s as a special style of Dutch pop music with characteristic soft vocals and melody. Volendam gave the world bands such as The Cats, BZN, as well as performers Nick & Simon and Jan Smit. The village has a Paling Sound Museum dedicated to the history of local musical culture. Even today, walking along the waterfront, you can hear familiar melodies in neighboring cafes that once sounded at concerts across Holland.

Traditional costumes still worn today

Volendam is one of the few places in the Netherlands where traditional clothing remains part of everyday life. Volendammer klederdracht is the name of the local national costume, which can be seen on residents during holidays, folk evenings, and even church processions. The characteristic cap with wings and coral necklace have become the village's calling card.

The women's costume is a complex multi-layered ensemble: a sleeveless undershirt, a petticoat, over which a kroplap (or koblap) is worn, and, of course, that very headdress with wings. In 1954, an organization was created in Volendam to preserve these traditions, and today elderly women still wear klederdracht to go to church, and young people proudly display it at festivals.

The harbor and waterfront — the heart of the city

Volendam's harbor is the place where the pulse of the village beats. Fishing boats and yachts moor here, and along the waterfront, restaurants and cafes with water views line up. The main street leading from the harbor into the city is filled with tourists who come here for an authentic Dutch atmosphere. The dam that gave the settlement its name still serves as a place for walks: from here, there is a view of the water area and the opposite shore.

The Volendam waterfront is especially picturesque in the morning hours, when fishermen deliver the morning catch, and tourists are just beginning to fill the local cafes. It is here that the rhythm of the city is best felt — unhurried, measured, subject to the sea tides.

Art colony and cultural heritage

In the early 20th century, Volendam became a real magnet for artists from all over Europe. The famous Spanish artist Riego painted a series of paintings about local life, capturing the fishermen's daily life, traditional costumes, and village architecture. The art colony that formed here put Volendam on the cultural map of the Netherlands as one of the painting centers of that time.

Today in the city you can find many galleries and workshops where local artists continue the traditions of their predecessors. Narrow streets, old houses with tiled roofs, and the harbor with boats — all these are favorite subjects for paintings that tourists then take away as a memory of Volendam.

Festivals and holidays: Volendammer Kermis

Every year on the first weekend of September, Volendam turns into the epicenter of fun. Volendammer Kermis originated in the 18th century and has since remained one of the most anticipated events in the region. Carnival rides, live music, traditional food, and, of course, people in national costumes — all this creates the atmosphere of a real Dutch holiday.

During Kermis, the city is overflowing from guests from all over the country. Stages are set up on the main square where local bands perform, including paling sound performers. Traditional food — fried eels, herring, and Dutch waffles — complements the gastronomic experience. For many Dutch people, attending Volendammer Kermis has become a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Cormorants and local fauna

One of the unexpected attractions of Volendam is the cormorants. These birds are protected by law and have become an integral part of the local landscape. They wait for treats from tourists right on the waterfront and even snatch fish from fishermen — the audacity of these cormorants has become a legend among local residents.

Cormorants feel quite at ease in Volendam: they sit on the harbor parapets, dry their wings in the sun, and pay no attention to tourists' cameras. For many village guests, feeding these birds becomes a separate entertainment, although local residents warn: cormorants can be quite persistent in their demands for food.

What the cameras show

Volendam webcams allow you to see this fishing village in real time without leaving your home. Broadcasts from the waterfront and harbor show the daily life of the city — fishing boats, tourists in traditional costumes, and, of course, those very cormorants. Cameras on the central streets demonstrate the architecture of the historic center and the rhythm of life of this place.

Live broadcasts from Volendam are especially interesting during Volendammer Kermis or other holidays, when the city is overflowing from guests and music. Watching the city online is an opportunity to feel the atmosphere of a real Dutch village, where history meets modernity, and traditions live in every resident.