Zeskamp, a friendship history and Dutch cultural preservation

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08-10-2008 | Zeskamp allows new and unforgettable chances to cheer, compete, play and specially get together every year, with the idea to promote the integration among the Dutch and their descendants in Brazil.

The Dutch traditions are kept alive in foreign countries. The Dutch embassy and Holambra 1 came to the idea to promote sportive and entertainment games among the Dutch colonies in Brazil.

Promoted for the first time in 1976 in Holambra 1, with the participation of the six Dutch colonies: Arapoti in Paraná , Carambeí in Paraná, Castrolanda in Paraná,  Holambra 1 in São Paulo, Holambra 2 in São Paulo and Não Me Toque in Rio Grande do Sul.

Origin
The word ‘Zeskamp’ of this amazing sportive event was not chosen by coincidence. From Dutch origin, ’Zeskamp’ means six fields and it refers to the six colonies in the games.

Tradition
Each year the ‘Zeskamp’ takes place in July. It takes place in one of the six colonies and it returns to the same colony every six years.

Four days of competition, in which the Dutch colonies white (Arapoti), red (Carambei), blue (Castrolanda), orange (Holambra 1), yellow (Holambra 2) and green (Não Me Toque) have to show their team work, briskness and liveliness.

Sponsor
The 31st edition of ‘Zeskamp’ in 2008 was in Holambra 1 this year and the theme was “60 years of the Dutch immigration in Holambra”. Anthura sponsored the female volleyball team. This team won the championship. 

Integration
By means of the ‘Zeskamp’ competition the integration among the Dutch colonies is promoted. The competition was closed with a ball and a documentary about the 60 years of Dutch immigration in Holambra.

According to the consul general of the Netherlands in Brazil, Mr. Paul Van Doorn, who has already seen the competition twice,” ‘Zeskamp’ is an opportunity for the colonies to celebrate. During this ‘Zeskamp’ we motivate immigrants and their children to preserve their traditions and culture”.