Grou’s Festive Spirit: Friesland Celebrations in 1923 in Color!

This captivating colorized footage unveils the joyous festivities in Grou (or Grouw), a charming village under Leeuwarden in Friesland, Netherlands, in 1923—nearly a century ago—likely celebrating Queen Wilhelmina’s 25th anniversary on the throne, since her ascension in 1898. The film captures a vibrant procession led by a harmony band, locals in traditional Frisian attire, fairground delights like Dutch oliebollen and merry-go-rounds, and harbor scenes of the Pikmeer lake, where traditional sailing boats compete, watched by spectators in rowing boats, ships like "Grouw" and "Piet Hein," and crowds on shore. It also showcases folk games—boys climbing through hanging barrels, girls navigating obstacles—plus street parades by the gymnastics association, children cycling, and elderly gentlemen waving to the camera. A dazzling window into Frisian rural life, this restored archive grips history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and Dutch heritage lovers, offering a breathtaking glimpse of Grou’s festive past frozen in time.