Current Events in Groningen: April 2012 Edition

I've been having so much fun enjoying springtime in Groningen that I forgot to update my blog for a couple of weeks!

So, what's been happening here in the North of the Netherlands?  Well, for one thing, the spring bulbs are in bloom and they are gorgeous.

Crocuses blooming on my balcony

Tulips, also on my balcony

There have also been lots of other fun things happening in Groningen.  In this blog post, I will share my photos from two recent special events - the Bloemenjaarmarkt and the Bierfestival Groningen.

Two weeks ago, on Good Friday, Groningen hosted the Bloemenjaarmarkt. The Bloemenjaarmarkt, also known as the Bloemetjesmarkt, is a giant flower sale that attracts people from all over the Netherlands and Germany. There were flowers and small trees for sale everywhere - on the sidewalks, the streets, and the squares in the city center.  It was a sight to behold!

The Bloemenjaarmarkt took over a portion of Groningen's city center on Good Friday

Flowers could be purchased at very low prices

Entertainment included a street organ with moving figurines

Garden decorations were also well-represented at the Bloemenjaarmarkt

There was even a flower auction!

Evidence that people really do grow flowers in wooden shoes here

Bierfestival Groningen was held last weekend in the Martinikerk, one of Groningen's most remarkable old churches in the city center.  The festival brought together breweries from Europe and America, including a good representation of breweries from the northern provinces of the Netherlands (for example, Maallust Brewery, Witte Klavervier, and the Groningse Stadsbrouwerij, just to name a few).

As you can see, the church provided a beautiful backdrop for an evening of beer tasting.

The Martinitoren, with Martinikerk in the background

Interior of the Martinikerk

A beer cart parked in the Martinikerk

Representatives of Witte Klavervier brewery discuss the brews on tap for the bierfestival

The view of the bierfestival from the gallery above the chapel

You can also view a short video about the bierfestival by RTVNoord news channel at this YouTube link: http://youtu.be/fg5KYxT5KUs  If you know me and my husband, you might recognize us in the video near the 2-minute mark.