Bartje

Statue of Bartje in Assen, Drente

This little fellow is 'Bartje'. He is the main character in a novel from the 19th century, set in the province of Drente.

In the 19th century most people who lived here were exceptionally poor. Their diet was not very varied.
Bartje became famous for the scene in the novel where he is tired of eating beans again and pulls away his plate while he shouts he will not pray for beans.

In September there is a huge festival to celebrate Bartje's birthday, and this has games etc for childeren under the age of 13.

This statue was first made of stone, but this one was damanged and finally they made one in bronze. It has been stolen quite a few times, but luckily it has been found again every time.