Dragon Fest Beesel | VVV Hart van Limburg

Dragon Fest Beesel: the village & the dragon

In Hart van Limburg lies Beesel, a village that once every seven years turns into a huge open-air theatre. This is when the legend of Saint George and the Dragon comes to life. The Dragon Fest is more than a play: it is a special event in which young and old take part. It unites residents and visitors. The next edition of the Dragon Fest will be in 2030. As the grounds of Nieuwenbroeck Castle will not be available then, the organisation is looking for a new location in Beesel.

A village that turns into a legend

During the Dragon Fest, the whole village changes. During the summer evenings, some 400 inhabitants act out the old story of Saint George together. They do this in a large open-air theatre. The performances are full of music, singing and impressive scenes. The streets are decorated and there are parades. This creates a special atmosphere in the village, attracting people from far and wide.

Battle between good and evil

The Dragon Fest has been around since 1736. It started as a small play, but grew into a big theatre spectacle in the open air. From 1967, it was staged at Nieuwenbroeck Castle. There they built stands and an impressive set. In the story, the dragon symbolises evil, and Saint George fights it. A new location is being sought for the next edition in 2030, as the castle grounds are no longer available.

Beesel: a village of dragon trails

Decoratieve draakborden aan gevels van woningen in Beesel, als onderdeel van de dorpse aankleding rond het Draaksteken. Op de voorgrond een blauw schild met een gele draak, op de achtergrond een groen draakbord aan een gevel.

Municipality of Beesel

In Beesel, you'll find the dragon around every corner — with fun fox hunts for children and a rich tradition full of local legends.

Municipality of Beesel

Twee jonge kinderen met een kaart in de hand wandelen door een groen bosrijk pad, verkleed als kleine avonturiers tijdens de Drakenwandeling in Beesel. Op de achtergrond is een dorpje met een kerktoren te zien, en tussen de bomen doemt subtiel de vorm van een draak op. De afbeelding is AI gegenereerd.

Dragon Walk

A playful 9-kilometre walking route around Beesel, filled with stories and games — perfect for families with children. (image generated by AI)

Explore with Joris and Cathelijne

Groot groen drakenei met kijkgaten in het VVV Inspiratiepunt in Beesel, met informatie over de historische groentetuin op het raam. De ruimte is licht en modern met houten dakconstructie en zicht op de natuur buiten.

Your guide through the dragon village

Visit the VVV Inspiration Point for tips, walking routes and an interactive experience about Saint George and the Dragon.

The legend starts here

Official recognition

The Dragon Fest is a cherished tradition. In 2012, it was added to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. This gave the Dragon Fest official recognition across the country. The people of Beesel, young and old, help keep the tradition alive. The event is carefully organised by the Draaksteken Foundation.