L’Evening four-day event (also abbreviated as Avond4daagse) is a Dutch initiative that is taking place right now, between May and June. Let's find out together what it is!
We are talking about a very popular tradition, both in the countryside and in the city. For four consecutive evenings, adults and children walk together along routes organized by the school or the municipality. These are not short walks: the journeys range from five to ten kilometres. At the end of the four evenings, the participating children receive a medal.
Understanding the Avondvierdaagse also helps us better understand Dutch culture. The objective of this project is in fact create community and spend time together in the open air, without competition. And d is certainly one of the initiatives that also a we at Stivaletto they like them more!
Despite the late spring period, the climate is not always favorable, therefore it also serves to develop a certain resistance to bad weather. As they say here in the Netherlands: you are not made of sugar! You're not made of sugar, so you definitely won't melt in the rain.
Participation in the Avondvierdaagse walks is often very broad and involves parents and children. Even the littlest ones take part, sometimes in a stroller. The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood parade, especially on the last evening. On that occasion, sometimes relatives and friends wait for the participants along the route with snacks and small gifts. There are also those who do not participate but accompany the group along the route by bicycle, as often happens in the Netherlands.
But where does this curious tradition come from?
A bit of history: why is the Avondvierdaagse made?
The Avondvierdaagse was born in the Netherlands in the first decades of the twentieth century, initially as an activity organized by sports associations and schools with a very simple objective: to encourage movement among young people and create opportunities for outdoor socializing. The idea developed gradually in various Dutch cities, in a period in which walking was also a practical way to do structured physical activity without the need for particular infrastructures.
Over time, from a sporting initiative it has become a national tradition. The format of four consecutive days was consolidated because it allowed us to build continuity, involve schools and transform the activity into something shared between children, families and neighbourhoods. Today it is one of the most popular popular participation events in the Netherlands: hundreds of thousands of people across the country participate every year.
The best known version is the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, which is held in the city of Nijmegen: 4daagse.nl
This is a bit like the "big sister" of the avondvierdaagse: although it always takes place over four days, it is much longer and more demanding (up to 30–50 km per day) and involves participants from all over the world, with an almost international festival spirit. In fact, it is no coincidence that there is also a site dedicated only to all the initiatives and celebrations that are organized in parallel to the march: vierdaagsefeesten.nl
In the end, however, everyone receives a medal there too: a very Dutch detail in its simplicity.
An extra look if you are an expat in Amsterdam
If you live in Amsterdam and participate in or even just observe the Avondvierdaagse, there are a few things worth noting. Here too, in fact, it is a very heartfelt event, especially at neighborhood level, with a view to promoting a sense of community.
The various areas of the city are transformed: some streets are closed to ensure the safe passage of children and parks and cycle paths become real pedestrian corridors. You'll see entire neighborhoods slow down their evening routine: it's one of those moments when the city changes pace without warning.
You will also notice how natural the presence of schools is in the life of the neighborhood. The organization often passes through teachers and parents, e.g everything is based on a very practical and very informal network.
Another interesting thing is the way in which participation is never just “individual”. Even those who don't walk tend to be involved in some way: someone waits at the finish line, someone accompanies them along the route, someone simply appears from the front door with a bag of sweets in their hand.
And perhaps the most typical thing: the total normality with which you live with the weather. Light rain, wind, sudden sun. Nobody seems to consider it a real obstacle to the evening. If you're new here, it's one of those little events that make you understand how neighborhood life in Amsterdam is still very present, despite it being such an international city.
To find the route closest to your home, check the updated dates or check the registration methods, you can consult the official Avond4daagse website:👉avond4daagse.nl
Each neighborhood offers its own version of the event. One of the most attended editions is certainly that of Amsterdam East, with itineraries that pass through parks and residential areas. For less urban routes and more immersed in greenery, New Sloten is right for you. Also at Amsterdam Forest walks are organized in the midst of nature, within one of the largest green areas of the city.
For more scenic atmospheres among the canals of the western area, it is better to move towards Westerpark. Those who want to live a more local experience linked to neighborhood life can orient themselves towards Amsterdam North. In short: there really is something for all tastes!
Survival guide
Are you and your family planning to participate in one of the routes? Here is a list of tips to make the most of the experience.
- First of all, prepare yourself for typical Dutch weather conditions. It is useful to wear a light waterproof jacket and dress in layers, with a sweatshirt that is easy to put on and take off.
- L'Evening Four Days It's not the ideal time to test new shoes. Better to use already tested footwear and bring blister plasters with you.
- The organization often offers water, fruit or other snacks along the route. However, it is useful to bring some extra food with you, especially if you are taking part with small children, together with a bottle of water.
- Finally, don't forget to bring it with you so much desire to move and chat, with friends or whoever happens next to you along the way!
After all, the Avondvierdaagse is one of those traditions that tell much more than it seems. Four evenings of walking, yes, but also a way to be together without rushing, to cross neighborhoods looking at them with different eyes, to share a piece of the city with those around us.