Although the Elfstedentocht celebration has only taken place four times in the last forty years, there are many aspects of celebration that can be analyzed from an anthropological point of view (Weir 2002). In many ways, the celebration can be viewed as a “rite of passage” and as a “rite of intensification”. A “rite of passage” mainly consists of three states which are separation, liminality, and reaggregation (Turner 1982). The “rite of intensification” can be found throughout the celebration, more specifically in the unity brought about through the whole process. Both the “rite of passage” and the “rite of intensification” are keys to understanding the purpose of the celebration.
After thousands meet in the town of Leeuwarden to begin the ice festival and the celebration begins to come underway, the first state of the “rite of passage” can be seen. In order to prepare for the race, the skaters must separate themselves from the crowd of spectators and prepare for the long race ahead. They must equip themselves with the appropriate gear and force themselves to mentally concentrate on the straining race that will follow. In some ways, this can be comparable to the preparation men had to go through when going off to fight for their independence only a few centuries ago.
Once this process is complete, the liminal state will be entered. “For between separation and reintegration there occurs the liminal stage, a period and area of ambiguity, a sort of social limbo, which has few of the attributes of the sociocultural life that precedes and follows it” (Turner 1982:202). This stage can be seen as the skaters begin the race and are cheered on by their fellow countrymen and women. Throughout the race, they are encouraged by hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route (De Friesche Elf Steden 2002). The spectators weather the harsh conditions in order to provide support by waving flags, clapping, and creating an atmosphere of motivation. Once again, a comparison can be drawn to the nations past. The liminal stage is comparable to soldiers being sent off to war in order to gain the nation's independence. As they leave to fight for freedom, they are sent off by loved ones with words of encouragement and hope.
The last stage to be completed comes with “reaggregation.” This is best displayed as the skaters finish the race and are able to join the spectators in celebration. At this time, the skaters and the spectators are brought together again in order to share the joy the festival has brought to the nation. When the race is finished it is clear that the harsh conditions were no match to the will of the skaters and the hundreds of thousands that encouraged them along the way. Similar to the end of the country's fight for independence, the race is completed and all are unified in this joyous celebration.
The “rite of intensification” is clearly seen through the overwhelming social solidarity the celebration brings to the nation. This feeling of social solidarity brings with it “minimized social distinctions” (Turner 1982). This atmosphere can be termed communitas (Turner 1982). It is an atmosphere in which all people feel welcome and a part of a close community instead of feeling like isolated individuals. All people, regardless of their background are welcome to join in the festivities. Characteristics such as religion, economic or social status, or politics are forgotten as the nation comes together to enjoy their favorite past time (ice skating). They rejoice over their ability to conquer such extreme conditions and circumstances. The unity brought about by the celebration is very important. The Netherlands tends to be a land where people keep to themselves, but this celebration allows all people to come together and realize that all of the common values and beliefs were what enabled them to achieve their independence.
From the beginning of Elfstedentocht until its end, people are able to escape the troubles of everyday life to simply enjoy each others company in the spirit of the celebration. It is said that “for Dutch children, it is just as important to learn to skate as to learn to ride a bicycle” and the mentality of the people towards Elfstedentocht clearly exhibits this ideal (Janssen 1994). Elfstedentocht is more than just a celebration to the people of the Netherlands . Elfstedentocht is a way of life, a source of inspiration, and a source of unity throughout the country. As with any celebration, it appears that the feeling it brings is one that cannot accurately be described unless you are able to become a part of the Dutch culture and gain the understanding of the nation's history.