Hans van der Kamp

I am really not sure how I should translate the Dutch word “Hartjesdagen”. Literally it would be: “Days of the (small) hearts”, but I am probably missing out on something. It is just a guess, but I have the idea that the word “hartjes” was originally meant as “hertjes” — or small deer. That would make sense because this Dutch festivity dates back to the days when the poor in Amsterdam and surrounding cities were allowed free hunting rights on the third Monday of August.

The celebrations that came with it were noted for alcohol abuse and sexual extremities. Of course the hunts have long disappeared, but a few years ago Amsterdam’s Red Light District rediscovered the celebrations. Every year this event — just after Gay Pride — gets more interesting, certainly for me because The Red Light District has always been my favorite part of the city. I simply adore the way this city has dealt with prostitution over the centuries. I got mugged twice in that area. Decades ago I was almost stabbed to death there and not too long ago a junkie threatened to bash my head in with a very large bicycle security lock if I would not hand over my wallet, but that does not prevent me from going there.

Today was the first day of the Hartjesdagen and I went out with my camera to have a wonderful time listening to tenors and sopranos singing from the windows (see picture below) and a street choir singing amazing songs about life in our infamous Red Light District. Afterwards I had a few drinks in a bar called “The Seagull” where the window seats are never taken, because most of the regulars there do not like to be “easy targets”.

But I will get some sleep now first and when I wake up tomorrow I will be photographing the traditional parade of Drag Queens. For me this is no doubt the most interesting weekend of the whole year.

Once I am done, I will be posting my photographs in this gallery.

Share on Facebook