Gemeente Dordrecht

The historical atmosphere lends itself well for attractive events. In recent years these have gained attention from all over the country and even from abroad. The number of events is very varied and geared to every part of society.

Refined operatic voices are heard during the Belcanto festival. This musical feast has, in a short space of time, gained international acclaim. In the late summer enthusiasts flock to the inner courtyard of 't Hof for the Italian operas. Those with a different taste in music are well catered for too. Jazz-lovers, for example, cannot miss the Jazz days. Meanwhile, other events have a regular place on the commercial calendar.

Dordt in Stoom, Europe's greatest steam event, attracts some two hundred thousand visitors every two years, many of whom from abroad. For three days they enjoy the national-international steam heritage on the water, on shore and on the rails. The annual Dordt Monumenteel, which takes place around the hundreds of monuments, attracts more than a hundred thousand visitors.

At the beginning of July, very different visitors come to the annual book market, which is the second largest in the Netherlands. Antiquarian booksellers exhibit their books and prints on 500 stands in the inner city. After only a few 'editions' this feast of books is already one of the largest of the Netherlands and fits into the historic backdrop very well. The same applies to the annual Christmas market. The Summer Fun Fair, which has a regular place, attracts both young and old from far outside the town, for a week of fun. Traditional haunted houses and sweets stalls stand next to the latest and most spectacular attractions. It is not without reason that in 1999 Dordrecht was proclaimed Fun Fair city of the year.