JANUARY 13, 2026 — The Dutch municipality of Rijssen-Holten has officially introduced a new flag and corporate identity, marking the 25th anniversary of the merger between the two constituent towns, reports Hart van Rijssen.
The design was publicly revealed during a recent New Year’s reception on January 6 at the Rijssen town hall, where local political leaders performed the ceremonial unveiling.
This change follows a unanimous 2023 motion titled “Proud of our Municipality,” initiated by Jan Beunk of the Gemeentebelang party, which called for a more contemporary visual symbol to replace a brand identity deemed outdated for the digital era.
The new flag features a purple-and-white colour palette, a departure from the previous purple and dark blue scheme. According to municipal officials, the colour choice is intended to evoke the regional heather landscapes while also acknowledging the local ecclesiastical history.
Central to the design is a modernized logo that incorporates several layers of local symbolism. The silhouette of the former municipal coat of arms is present but remains intentionally open on one side, a gesture the administration claims represents transparency and hospitality.
Two interlocking shapes, stylized to resemble digital location pins, serve as a metaphor for the union of Rijssen and Holten. These are accompanied by two distinct undulating lines: the upper line represents the Holterberg hill, while the lower wave signifies the Regge River.
Portraying these landmarks is a priority for the local government, with spokesperson Robert van Vliet told Algemeen Dagblad that these are “places that make our municipality special and unique.”
