Helmond

( Listen? / I ) Helmond is a municipality and city in the Netherlands, in the province of North Brabant and has 89 025 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2013 ).

Location and economic

Helmond is located in the east of the province, to the car and railways between Eindhoven and Venlo. The channel Zuid- Willemsvaart, which was recently relocated to the city, connects Helmond with the Meuse. The city has many smaller industrial and commercial enterprises. South of the train station and the city center there is a large commercial area. In Helmond there are several monasteries.

History

The name Helmond means of a low-lying place ( hel ) located reinforcement (mouth ) '. Helmond received city rights in 1232. It was conquered in 1602 by Maurice of Nassau, and came to the Peace of Westphalia to the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Between 1870 and 1930, the textile and metal industry was very significant.

Attractions

In the middle of Helmond is a built 1350-1400 Castle, with the city museum. There are in the city interesting examples of modern architecture, including the new City Hall and the tree houses by Piet Blom in the market with the theater " 't Speelhuis "; However, the theater was completely destroyed on December 29, 2011 by a major fire. Some small woods enticed to take a walk.

Customs

As in almost every village in the south of the Netherlands has also Helmond local customs and festivities. In the special case of Helmond, the carnival is known about the community, provincial and national borders.

Shrovetide

The carnival takes place in Helmond as well as in Germany until Ash Wednesday. From the beginning of the year until Shrove find the famous " Keiekletsavonden " instead ( cf. lively speeches in Germany ). On the last Saturday before Shrove Tuesday is the grand finale with a gala ball.

On Carnival Saturday, the mayor handed over his office keys for four days at the " Keiebeijters ", the biggest carnival club Helmond.

On Sunday, the biggest carnival event in the Netherlands takes place in Helmond. This procession is attended by people from across the south of the Netherlands.

On Wednesday evening finds the " Haring Happen" instead. In all economies, then herring are served with side dishes to commemorate the start of Lent.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Jimmy Rosenberg, a jazz guitarist
• Matthijs Vermeulen, 1888-1967, composer and music journalist
• René & Willy van de Kerkhof, football players of the national team
• Bart van der Putten, jazz saxophonist and clarinetist - '
• Wilfred Bouma, Dutch national football team
• Claudia Leenders, Dutch slalom canoeist