Kamper onion

A "Kamper ui" is a term used for mock and plague tales in which the pretensions and stupidity of the residents and especially the leaders of certain places are ridiculed by the surrounding community.^[1]

Kamper sturgeon

The term "Kamper ui" has become a generic name for this type of folk tale. Nowadays, the residents of Kampen even consider it a term of endearment. Inhabitants of Kampen are also referred to as "Kamper steuren", which refers to the famous Kamper ui "The sturgeon with the bell".

Such mock tales about a city or region can be found all over Europe, such as the Koolhaas from Lochem,^[2] The Seven Swabians, The Expensive Executioner [nl] (Dokkum) and the Pot with Three Ears [nl] (Olen, Belgium).

Annually, during the summer period, the Kamper ui(t)dagen are organized in Kampen, with each day having its own theme. The opening of the Kamper ui(t)dagen is marked by a cow being hoisted with ropes to the Nieuwe Toren, in the presence of the mayor, referring to a famous Kamper ui.