JULY 26, 2026 — The Dutch village of Kessel-Eik, located along the Meuse River in the province of Limburg, Netherlands, has introduced its first official village flag to mark its upcoming 700th anniversary, according to reporting by Omroep P&M.
The new banner was initiated by resident Giel Muijsenberg to foster a distinct visual identity for a community that lacks its own postal code and is frequently overlooked.
Designed in collaboration with a graphic artist from the firm Inova, the flag incorporates heraldic elements from the historic Lords of Kessel alongside the Gelderland lion, referencing the area’s former ties to the County of Guelders.
The heraldic composition incorporates specific local symbolism, featuring green to denote surrounding nature reserves such as the Weerdbeemden and Musschenberg, blue for the adjacent Meuse River, and white representing the connection between the village and the nearby heath.
An oak tree is central to the design to symbolize regional fertility, while a vertical line incorporates the historical boundary line that once divided the County of Guelders and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.
Muijsenberg stated that he felt the closely knit community deserved its own symbol, adding that he was particularly pleased that residents have embraced the design.
The flag is set to play a prominent role in upcoming local festivities, including the village fair and the 700th anniversary celebrations, and will soon be made available for purchase by local residents.
Image: Omroep P&M
