Vera Mulder wrote in article for "De Correspondent" As of now, the article is available only in Dutch on De Correspondent's website.
The article explores the enduring significance of the Elfstedentocht—a legendary 200-kilometer ice-skating event in Friesland, Netherlands—that has not occurred since 1997 due to warmer winters. Despite its absence, the event continues to unite thousands, reflecting a deep-seated communal spirit. Mulder delves into the meticulous preparations that persist annually, the cultural importance of the event, and the hope that it will one day return.
For a comprehensive understanding, I recommend reading the original Dutch article. If you're not fluent in Dutch, using an online translation tool can help convey the main ideas.
