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Considering how many people were at the IJ-Hallen last weekend, it’s safe to say that markets are a way to go. If you need another moment to consider the investment someone’s sinking into an old tram depot around the corner from the suddenly-on-the-map Ten Katemarkt, take that moment, too.
And then there’s the fact that the crowds swarming the Noordermarkt on Saturdays mean you don’t even go there any more, and your memories of all those Argentinian pastries you ate at the NeighbourFood Market at various points of Amsterdam’s compass, and it’s pretty safe to assume that markets are generally thought to be a great way to go.
That Saturday sense of adventure
And they are. Markets are great. They provide that Saturday sense of adventure and give you the opportunity to show your true, organic colours (only on Sundays). You can buy local (the Netherlands is a small country after all) and eat to your eyes’ content. And, whilst you dig for treasure, you exercise a certain liberty: you eschew the stores that have made it their life’s work to sell to you and, for at least 24 hours, you won’t have to endure the Albert Heijn jingle.
Throw in a boat ride where no one is talking about anywhere but De Ceuvel and feel that delicious sense of ‘arrival’ four minutes later. Where am I? Or rather, where will I be this Saturday?
Our association of markets being the territory of the grittier market man is losing ground to the well-wishing, food truck driving eco warriors that run many of our markets now.
The new Pekmarkt
The Pekmarkt on the Van der Pekstraat in Noord. Starting tomorrow, the market will provide a reinvented, weekly offering of vintage clothing, curia, fabric, food, farmer’s market pumpkins and the wares of designers, artists and collectors. Marketeers of 40 years will stand stall by stall with fresh blood and their new ideas. The combination is a convincing one and one most welcome. Our association of markets being the territory of the grittier market man, voices booming, fought for tooth and claw against the heat, cold, wet and snow, is losing ground to the well-wishing, food truck-driving eco-warriors that run many of our markets now. Both are better than one and both could do better with the help of the other.
And so it is to be: the faces and voices that made up the Mosveldmarkt, a household name in Noord since 1920, are to find their new home on at the Pekmarkt, a place elevated to status of a ‘podium for crafts, bargains, artisan products and things with a story’. The old hands and younger entrepreneurs will work together and learn from one another. New perspectives meet perseverance.
From 10.00-18.00 on Saturday 11 October there will be music, food, puppet shows, dancing, treasure, theatre and cold beer. Call it a party? I do. Here’s the day’s programme.
Pekmarkt
Where: Van der Pekstraat in Amsterdam-Noord
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting 11 October 2014
Online: Website & Facebook
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