Each year Sittard celebrates their Patron Saint, Saint Rose of Lima, Peru. She was credited in the late 1600s, saving the city from the Pest.
Once a year, on the last Sunday in August, the ancient tradition comes to life. Thousands of people walk from St. Michael’ church at the town square to Saint Rosa’s chapel on the Kolleberg.
Dean van Rens describes the procession, the participants and the symbolism behind the pageant. “The South was always Catholic. Its not about demonstrating but rather making visible: Here is our God, Here is our Christ. Here is what we love.”
You can watch the full interview with Dean van Rens here:
“Finally after cycling the entire perimeter of the island I finally found a secluded perfect beach. It was hot, so I took a swim to cool off.”