FEBRUARY 15, 2025 — The residents of Spankeren in the Netherlands have democratically chosen a new village flag, says Studio Rheden.
The winning design, created by Marike Brand, was selected from eleven finalists after a community vote. The flag features the Petrus Church, the village’s oldest and most central landmark, combined with a landscape line that forms the letter “S” for Spankeren.
The election was organized by the flag committee of the Spankeren Interest Association. Of the 91 votes cast, Marike Brand received 24, followed by Willem Wassink with 14 votes and Sophie de Ruiter with 12. Another design by Marike Brand received a special mention due to positive feedback.
The new flag will be officially raised on April 19, during the 80th anniversary celebration of the village’s liberation. Two flagpoles will be installed near the Spankerense Bridge and the church square. A third flagpole will be temporarily provided by the Orange Association.
The flag election was inspired by a similar competition in Laag-Soeren and is part of a broader initiative to give villages in the region their own flags. In Dieren, a similar election is currently underway, allowing residents to submit their designs until March 16, 2025. Local schools have been encouraged to participate in the initiative to increase community engagement.
To fund the flagpoles and production of the flag, a fundraising campaign has been launched through Ik buurt mee! Residents can contribute to ensure the flag will soon fly at multiple locations in Spankeren.
Image: Studio Rheden
