The Vierdaagse, internationally known as the Four Day Marches, is the largest multiple day marching event in the world and takes place in the third week of July in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, every year. Over 40,000 people from all around the world walk 30 km, 40 km or 50 km for four days in a row.

The first edition took place in 1909. Originally, the Vierdaagse was mainly a military training event, with the goal to build up the soldiers’ stamina. Although civilians greatly outnumber soldiers nowadays, military forces representing different nations still take part. They have slightly different requirements: they walk a different route and must carry at least 10 kg of weight on their back. Fun fact: during WWI (in which the Netherlands remained neutral but the Dutch army was on standby), the march was initially cancelled but took place again after two years because the soldiers were bored.

The gladiolus is the symbol of the Vierdaagse: participants receive gladioli at the end of the march, usually from friends and family members, because the gladiolus represents strength, willpower, pride and victory. The last part of the march is informally known as the “Via Gladiola”.

Additionally, upon completion, participants receive a “Vierdaagsekruis”, a medal that is approved to be worn on military uniforms.

During the Vierdaagse, Nijmegen transforms into one big festival known as the Zomerfeesten with over 1.5 million people visiting the city. Visitors can enjoy free music, a fair and a firework show.

All in all, the Vierdaagse is one of the largest events in the Netherlands, so it would be awesome to have a stamp dedicated to this part of our culture! A stamp could for example display gladiolen, walking shoes, the Vierdaagsekruis or the Vierdaagse flag.

For more information, see 4daagse.nl

The Vierdaagsekruis, the cross participants receive upon completion of all four days (via https://www.photofacts.nl/fotografie/foto/et/vierdaagsekruis_18de.jpg).

The Vierdaagse flag (via https://i.pinimg.com/originals/48/5e/74/485e740a8173787636c4dd3272a0da08.jpg).

A walker with gladiolen (via http://media.nu.nl/m/m1nxjf0afbf0_wd1280.jpg/gladiool-stijgt-dankzij-vierdaagse-boven-zichzelf.jpg).