Iewers in Nederland - Maria - By Anzel van der Westhuizen

Written By: Anzel van der Westhuizen

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Anzel van der Westhuizen invites readers on a poignant journey with their short story, "Iewers in Nederland - Maria," featured in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This narrative transports us to the Dutch town of Bergen op Zoom, where the intersection of tradition and community is explored through the eyes of a narrator encountering a church and its stories. The tale delicately weaves elements of history and collective memory, invoking a sense of timelessness and shared human experience.

About the Work

"Iewers in Nederland - Maria" captures a vivid snapshot of life in Bergen op Zoom. The story unfolds through a chance meeting with a man whose tales of the church's history and customs reveal deeper themes of solidarity and remembrance. With rich imagery and a reflective tone, the narrative emphasizes the importance of unity and tradition in maintaining cultural identity. The depiction of the annual procession of Maria serves as a metaphor for the world's current state, suggesting the fragility of unity and the collective effort required to sustain it.

Iewers in Nederland - Maria

Original Submission by Anzel van der Westhuizen

Iewers in Nederland - Maria

Om 12:32 in Bergen op Zoom loop ek ’n 65 jarige man wat in die kerk sit en bid raak. Hy maak Bergen op Zoom vir my persoonlik en lei my deur die kerk en vertel vir my stories van sy 10 jaar in die kerk: van die feeste wat daar in die kerk gehou word, tot die dae wat die protestante en katolieke saam bid en kerkhou want dis te duur om dit apart te doen; van die kleur togas wat die priesters deur die jaar dra tot die rooi kers wat, indien aangesteek, n teken is van die Heilige Gees se aanwesigheid; van die verskillende mense saam met wie hy al aanbid het - groepe wat na die preek hande klap, ander “woolooloo” en ander buig in stilte en hy wys my hoe hy as kind sou moes buig en die nagmaal brood van die priester direk in sy mond sou kry - nou word dit in jou hand geplaas.

Hy vertel van Maria met haar blou en goud getooide-jas wat nou al vir die 70ste jaar elke jaar rondom die tyd deur 4 mans van die kerk om die stad gedra word - met die hele stad agterna, omdat 70 jaar terug het die kerk belowe om God te eer en Maria deur die strate te dra as die stad nie gebom word in die oorlog nie. Toe ek vra of sy swaar is lag hy terwyl hy sê: “Nee, sy is van hout, maar ons almal moet gelyk as ‘n eenheid stap, anders val Maria om.”

En dit voel so gepas vir hierdie tyd - asof die Wêreld tans vir Maria dra - en as ons nie stewig as ’n eenheid voortgaan nie - val die hele spul uitmekaar. Ek wens ons almal kan harder probeer om vir Maria regop te hou.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in literature. It provides a platform for writers to share their unique stories and perspectives with a global audience. This competition invites participants from around the world to submit their works in various categories, fostering a vibrant community of creative expression. Through this initiative, Hashtag Kalakar aims to encourage literary talent and discourse across cultures and languages.

We extend our gratitude to Anzel van der Westhuizen for their thoughtful contribution, "Iewers in Nederland - Maria," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative short story offers readers a moment of reflection on unity and tradition. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavors in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.