A small quiz: What is th tricht in Maastricht?
Tricht = funnel
Where the Meuse narrows. Ideal for a bridge. The bridge drew travellers and traders. Inns appeared, then villages, then a city.
Tricht = trick
The American trick or treat traces back to Limburg. The phrase dates to a war with Spain a long time ago, when people asked: friend or foe? Tricht of triem? This odd question made enemies frown. Later on, migrants carried it to America.
Tricht = to arrive rightly
The Meuse’s destination. Her home port.
Tricht = echt = true
“Is ’t icht waer”? people used to say. The river that runs through this area is considered to be the true Meuse, the river’s main artery—unlike side-branches like the Smeermaas or Binnenmaas.
Tricht = pulls
The Romans once tried to build a towpath here, but locals resisted. The discussions were so extensive that the place eventually took its name from the plan.
Every day, someone waits by the Meuse. Every day. This practice is part of Maaswacht, an initiative by TAAT, SoAP and the river Meuse. Want to become a Maaswachter yourself? Send an email to maaswacht@gmail.com.