120 deelnemers aan Jan Haring Rookfestijn 2026

The second edition of the Jan Haring Smoking Festival kicked off on Sunday in the inner harbor of Monnickendam. No fewer than 120 eel smokers are participating in the popular competition this year, which is part of the annual Jan Haring Weekend. Early in the morning, the participants gathered along the waterfront to set up their smoking installations. The weather is showing its changeable side, but that is not deterring the enthusiastic smokers. The scent of smoke barrels fills the harbor, while visitors marvel at the craft and the competition. Just like in previous years, an expert jury judges the smoked eel on taste, texture, and presentation, among other things. The battle for the coveted title of "Best Eel Smoker of Monnickendam" is exciting once again this year. PIM walked around the harbor and tried to coax the secret of the best smoked eel from the participants. Opinions on how to smoke the perfect eel varied. A heavy task rests upon the competition's five-member jury to determine a winner. The winner of the Jan Haring Smoking Competition 2026 will be announced later this afternoon. During last year's edition, Willem Lammes managed to convince the jury and walked away with the title. With a score of 128 points, he left his competitors behind. Jantje Hoffmeister finished second with 124 points, followed by Robin Miedema with 123 points. Whether Lammes will be able to defend his title this year will become clear later today when the jury announces its verdict.