
(photograph © Kiwidutch )
Last summer Himself and I found ourselves accidentally in Germany after dropping Little Mr off in a tiny Dutch village on the border.
Our wrong turn turned out to be fortunate because we discovered some new places and events by chance.
We parked in a tiny square in the middle of Isselburg-Anholt and found ourselves observing what we first thought must have been a German version of a Prom party, or end of school ball.
There were young adults in formal wear, the guys in white trousers and dark jackets with either blue and white or red and white sashes, the girls were mostly in long gowns, and also sported the same style sashes as the guys.
The guys were wearing hats, everyone was taking photographs of each other and there appeared to be many of their family members there too, also taking photographs of the groups and the entire gathering.
Himself and I make sure that we are not in the way and ask in the restaurant that they are in front of, if there is any spare table where we might be able to have a meal.
They tell us that the young people outside are booked for a large event in the restaurant, but they will be all in another room, and there is space for us in a small room to the side.
It turns out that we are not the only guests in this room, what appears to be a few family members of the event guests are here too so we make ourselves comfortable and take a private view of the proceedings.
Some of the ladies in gowns come into our room and take photographs with people at the other tables, some of the young men come and chat to these people too, then leave when it becomes apparent that speeches are starting in the room that they will be dining in.
During a pause we manage to ask if this is an end of school or graduation ceremony perhaps.
Himself and I were both surprised to find out that it’s actually nothing of the sort, but rather an annual event to celebrate the hunting season in the area and that the red and white flags everywhere around town are a symbol of this. I don’t have more information than that, but clearly it’s a very formal affair with many ceremonial parts, there were even horses with carriages drawing up outside our window, later as Himself and I ate dessert, to take the guests to the next stop of their party.
By the time we finished our meal the staff were clearing away much of the chairs, tables and other party accoutrements… this was an event that was new to both Himself and I, so we really felt like we learnt something.

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )

(photograph © Kiwidutch )