Kamper onion

{{notability|date=June 2025}}

{{Short description|Type of folk tale}}

File:20150909 Kamper steur.jpg

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.'Kampen. De Kamper Steur', in: Verhalen van stad en streek: Sagen en legenden in Nederland, W. de Blécourt, R.A. Koman [et al.]. Bert Bakker 2010, p. 176-178.

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,[https://www.beleven.org/verhaal/de_koolhaas_in_lochem The Koolhaas in Lochem]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230804042751/https://www.beleven.org/verhaal/de_koolhaas_in_lochem Archived] on August 4, 2023. The Seven Swabians, {{ill|The Expensive Executioner|nl|De dure beul}} (Dokkum) and the {{ill|Pot with Three Ears|nl|Pot met drie oren}} (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.