2022. Exactly 450 years ago, on Easter Sunday April 6, 1572, the people of Vlissingen drive the Spanish invaders from the city. It is the beginning of the liberation of the Netherlands and the birth of the Republic of the Netherlands.
It is the end of the 16th century. Famine and unemployment are rife, including in Vlissingen. Trade is bad and Vlissingen is forced by the Spanish occupier to accommodate foreign garrisons. One tax piles up on top of another. Alva starts building a citadel and announces the arrival of 1,000 Spanish soldiers to keep the population in check. The Vlissingers no longer put up with it; they revolt. On Easter Sunday, April 6, 1572, the bomb bursts….
The Friends of Vlissingen Foundation has created a lasting reminder of the events of April 6, 1572: three short “soundscapes/audio plays” of about 1.5 minutes, which can be accessed with a QR code at three locations in the city. Also and relatedly, the creation of a window display on Kerkstraat (Het Spui). This aims to tempt passers-by with a scene that catches the eye to learn about the subject and to draw their attention to the other places in the city where the audio plays/soundscapes are offered. An additional interest is to keep the streetscape of Kerkstraat attractive.
This digital historical-tourist information is specifically developed for the anniversary theme year, but permanently available in the city. It gives substance to a very important event in the history of Vlissingen and the Netherlands, both for residents and visitors to the town.
The Hurgronje Family Fund made a financial contribution to this project.
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