APRIL 12, 2025 — Residents of De Steeg in the Netherlands will soon choose an official village flag, with sixteen locally designed entries up for a public vote, reports Studio Rheden. The winning design will be unveiled during the village’s King’s Day celebration on April 26.
The initiative was launched by the editorial team of the local publication Boom & Stroom, which proposed the idea in late 2023. Originally a community concept, the project was later expanded into a professionally organized contest.
Submissions were accepted through the end of March, ultimately yielding sixteen designs from village residents.
“All households in De Steeg will receive a flyer encouraging them to participate,” organizers said.
On Friday, April 19, villagers can view all sixteen flags and cast their votes. Voting is open exclusively to De Steeg residents. The design with the most votes will become the official flag of De Steeg.
The unveiling of the winning flag will take place at the village’s parkhuis on King’s Day, led by Mayor Carol van Eert. The event will include both the designers and local residents. Following the ceremony, the flag will be officially raised for the first time.
Sixteen local participants have each submitted a unique flag design. The winner will receive the honorary title of “Vexilloloog van De Steeg.”
According to Edwin Teunissen, one of the organizers, the initiative has already had a unifying effect on the village. “A village flag not only gives us an identity but also strengthens the bond between residents,” he said. “The response shows there’s a real need for this—and a lot of creativity in our village.”
Residents will have the option to purchase the winning flag through a group order following the announcement. De Steeg is home to approximately 1,080 residents across nearly 600 households.
Image: Studio Rheden
