It is best known for its rich migration history and striking modern architecture. But now the Dutch city of Rotterdam is seeking recognition for a rather different characteristic: its tradition of printing poetry on bin trucks. Since a poetry festival first came up with the idea in 1988, lines of verse have been printed on all of the city’s waste vehicles.
The practice was this week elevated to the status of intangible cultural heritage, with formal recognition from a Dutch body that guards the nation’s traditions. Sometimes you read a line that stays with you for the rest of the day. What started as a quirky idea has become part of our city.” The programme is democratising as well as uplifting, say its proponents.
He has even been inspired to write the odd line himself, he said, while the four trucks he has so far driven inspire all kinds of responses. Or: The longer I look back the Tighter the knot in time. Diana Chin-A-Fat, director of Poetry International, which came up with the initiative, said they and Rotterdam municipality had approached the heritage body with a plan to preserve this tradition.
Every Rotterdammer reads it. It’s unique.” Poet and spoken word artist Derek Otte said it also demonstrated how Rotterdam was carving out a modern identity. It’s a way to say the important things in life, in as few words as possible.” His own words have recently joined the fleet.
In Dutch, they read: Van stenen gaat een stad de hoogte in De mensen geven diepte. Or: Stones build a city high. The people give it depth.
In its inventory of more than 400 traditions, crafts, rituals and customs, the Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to document the Netherlands’ unique cultural characteristics. These range from the annual Pride Amsterdam festival and its parade of colourful boats along the capital’s canals to the 10 remaining shepherded flocks of sheep. Several Dutch traditions are recognised in Unesco’s international list, such as traditional irrigation and the craft of the miller operating windmills and watermills.
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