Caravan culture and clog-making on list of cultural heritage

“The inventory is a list of what we consider cultural traditions we want to continue,” Gatz explained. “Inclusion on the list gives the tradition more visibility and raises awareness among the public.”

Caravan culture includes traditions of people who live in caravans, sometimes for generations. There are three main groups in Flanders: Roma, Voyageurs and Manoesjen, all of whom can also be found in the Netherlands, where they are included in the national cultural inventory. The groups have a strong belief in the freedom afforded by a nomadic lifestyle.

Clog-making was once an essential service requiring technical know-how, much of which is now lost. A few skilled craftspeople are carrying on with hand carving clogs, however, and wearing the special wooden shoes is becoming more popular. As the last of the original clog-wearers die out and skilled clog-making with them, the family-run workshops feel it more important than ever to maintain the tradition, Gatz said in a statement.

The Godelieve Procession in Gistel, West Flanders – near the coast – is an annual event venerating St Godelieve, who was martyred in Gistel in 1070. The procession, which takes place this year on 9 July, involves dozens of local people, who make their own period costumes and floats and act out Godelieve’s life, death and subsequent miracles. The day also includes a medieval market, folk music and storytelling. The town is also home to a Godelieve Museum.

Flanders and the Netherlands share 67 groups of rhetoricians – people united by their love of language, mainly in the form of amateur drama but also in song and poetry readings. The groups and related associations organise festivals and competitions, as well as take part in religious and other processions.

Finally, the Pikkeling International Folklore Harvest Festival takes place every year at the end of July in one of four districts of Aalst. The festival – always held on the grounds of a historical farm –  features international folk music, sport and activities and regional gastronomy.

Photo courtesy klopenverreydt.be