Saint Joep market: the largest annual fair in the Netherlands
28 February 2023Every single year, tens of thousands of people in the region visit the traditional ‘Saint Joep’ market. The major Dutch annual fair offers extraordinary offers, delicious food and drinks and of course, the most enthusiastic vendors you will see in your lifetime. We look forward to the upcoming fair on Monday 20 March 2023.
Known for more than two centuries
Saint Joep has been organised for ages, with its first time dating back to 19 March 1803! The renowned Napoleon Bonaparte initiated it, by giving permission to the mayor of Sittard to hold it. While it mainly consisted of livestock, this gradually changed after the 19th century to a cultural and local fair. Much has changed since then, as Saint Joep Market transformed to an annual fair with a vast and broad supply, from nifty household appliances to the most trendy clothes money can buy. Apart being the oldest annual fair in the Netherlands, it is also the largest in the entire country and well known in the province of Limburg and nearby regions in Belgium and Germany.
Historical inner city of Sittard
The fair takes place in the old city centre, which has magnificent monumental buildings, a bustling market square with many numerous sidewalk cafés, and a plethora of lovely shops to visit. This is no surprise, as Sittard is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and it was declared the most beautiful and picturesque in the country. In short, a beautiful city perfectly matching the characteristics of the Saint Joep Market.
Are you interested in visiting Saint Joep Market?
The next time it takes place will be on Monday 20 March 2023 from 08:00 until 18:00, with more than 600 stands spread out over a route of 5 kilometres right through the heart of Sittard.
