Culture
The relatively isolated location of the island, among other things, has caused Texel to have its own dialect and several specific customs. Many of the customs have now disappeared, but others are still alive and kicking. Especially in Winter there is a lot to do culture-wise; for instance, there are more than ten active amateur drama societies.
Old Saint Nick
An example of such a vibrant tradition is 'Ouwe Sunderklaas', which is celebrated by the people of Texel every year on December 12. The children go out on the street in the afternoon, the adults at night, all dressed up and with masks to expose certain matters that have taken place on the island in a humorous way. For this, signs with text are used and voices are disguised to prevent recognition.
Dispel the demons
After this so-called 'speulen' (playing) the party is continued to the small hours in the pubs. Originally, the feast would take place in people's living rooms; De Cocksdorp is the only place where it still does. The origins of Ouwe Sunderklaas can be found in the Germanic midwinter feasts, which were held to dispel the demons and to interrupt the long winter nights. Only the name is supposed to have been derived from the Dutch feast of Sinterklaas.
Meierblis
At sunset every year on April 30, at several locations on Texel the so-called 'Meierblissen' are lit. In the weeks beforehand, the children gather flammable materials. The gathered material is lit on April 30, where those present stand around the fire and roast potatoes on pieces of wire. The children rub soot on each other's faces. The 'Meierblis' is a bonfire, to celebrate the arrival of the Spring and the light. 'Blis' is the Texel word for fire.
Dialect
Traditionally, dialect is spoken on Texel. Texel people do not speak of Texel, but say 'Tessel'. A word as deksel (lid) is also pronounced 'dessel'. In 'Tessel dialect' we can find influences from several foreign and old languages. In the sayings in Texel dialect, the so-called séggies, the influence of sheep farming and fishery is distinctive. For instance, it is said of a person walking to and fro aimlessly that 'Hee lóópt os een mál skéép' (He walks like a silly sheep). These days, the dialect is hardly spoken.
Traditional costume
The traditional costume of Texel consisted of a jacket, a long pleated skirt and a Texel cap. For men, there was never really any traditional costume; clothing was the same as that of men elsewhere in the country. The Texel cap consists of a cap brooch covered with lace, which has been pleated at the bottom.
Wealth
Depending on the wealth of the owner, the cap brooch was made of pewter, silver or gold. The ornament of the hood consisted of silver or gold side needles and cap pins on both sides. Furthermore, 'toertjes', artificial locks of human hair, were fixed on either side of the forehead. Finally, the front needle was fixed to the forehead; to the left for married women and to the right for unmarried women.
Where to see
In the mid-18th century hoods were already worn on Texel. The large cap brooch was added to the cap much later. The Texel traditional costume has not been worn for years. The dress of past times can now only be seen in the Collection of Antiquities and during folkloristic markets in the Summer season.