Ancient bomb found of Bommen Berend, Groningen's Relief

Why Do We Celebrate Groningen's Relief or Bommen Berend in Groningen?

Groningens Relief, also known as "Bommen Berend," is an annual festival celebrated on August 28th in the city of Groningen. The event commemorates the successful defense of the city against the troops of the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, in 1672.

Carl von Rabenhaupt

The bishop, nicknamed "Bommen Berend" because of his use of explosives, besieged Groningen during the Disaster Year, when the Dutch Republic was attacked by several countries. Despite a month-long siege and heavy bombardments, the citizens of Groningen, led by Carl von Rabenhaupt, managed to repel the attack.

The Celebration of Bommen Berend

Today, the event is celebrated with parades, music, fairs, and fireworks. It is an important part of Groningen's cultural heritage, symbolizing the resilience and unity of the city in times of adversity. Learn more about the history at de Verhalen van Groningen.

Ancient Bomb from Bommen Berend Found Just Before the celebration 

A mortar bomb from the time when Bernhard von Galen bombarded Groningen with thousands of shells has been recently discovered at the site of the former VRIJDAG music school.

The bomb found at VRIJDAG had exploded, with its fragments later thrown into a pit. "The city was in ruins, with bomb fragments everywhere. I doubt anyone wanted those in their garden, so they were buried," explains city archaeologist Felicia Kalkman-Hulshof.

Felicia, holding a piece of the bomb, says, "It’s incredibly heavy. Last week I held a 10-kilogram pumpkin, so I estimate this piece weighs around 20 kilograms. A whole bomb could weigh up to 80 kilograms, requiring two or three people to lift it!"

The mortar bomb fragments will be on display tomorrow during Groningens Ontzet on the ground floor of the Forum Groningen.