Mermaid Festival WaterlandkerkjeMeerminnefeesten Waterlandkerkje

A beloved annual village festival in Waterlandkerkje, held the weekend after Pentecost. It features a quirky mermaid theme (inspired by local legend) along with traditional village fair events 1. Activities include a Saturday morning flea market, tractor-pull competitions (Trekkertrek), children’s games, music performances, and an evening ball (Meerminnebal). The community gathers around food trucks, waffle stands and games, creating a joyous family celebration rooted in local folklore and rural life.

The Meerminnefeesten began in 1977, replacing the old kermis with a distinctive mermaid-themed fair. It embodies the village’s coastal heritage and communal spirit—features like the tractor pull reflect Zeeland’s farming culture, while the mermaid motif references the local church’s bell legend. Throughout its history, it has been the highlight of the year for Waterlandkerkje’s tight-knit community 1 2.