Events & Happening..
~ Events & Happenings ~
I guess to get this page going I'd best read the publicity that's regularly stuffed
into my letter box - but I don't. Or, maybe read the posters that regularly appear
on the wall of Cafe Magda .. But, as with the letter box publicity - I also ignore
the posters.
However, I can review some of the events of this year - as they happen ever year.
All I need are the dates for the 1996 season and I can have a warm fuzzy feeling
about doing my bit for publicizing village events (that's of course, if anybody
bothers to read this page).
Mussel Festivals. For some unknown reason, Mussel festivals are "big"
business - need to raise money? Hold a mussel festival. For those of you who
don't like mussels - relax, other "stuff" is available (usually roast chicken or
a steak).
- Romanes' Mussel Festival. Usually the first weekend in August,
held in aid of the Fanfarer (sp?), the local brass band.
- VK Kortriek Dutsel. Well, not really Sint-Pieters-Rode, but the
football club in the next village. Held at the club, sometime towards the end of
August. During the day there's a whole bunch of football games going on (as
you'd hope), who win's what? - I've no idea. It's an ideal day out, if the
sun is shinning.
- The Postman Festival. Can you believe it? I think we've only
got a postman (singular), but they also hold a mussel festival. I've never made
it to this one - so I can't comment on what happens.
I'm sure there's probably more mussel orientated festivals, but the above are the
only ones I can remember.
Kermisen (sp?). In other words, festivals. There's two:
- Rooi Kermis. The kermis of Sint-Pieters-Rode! Well, the first
ever one was held this summer (July - I think), sponsored by (you're not going
to believe this), the friends of the beetle - that's the VW beetle, not the insect!
It was a fun day out.. Plenty of "junk" stalls, a BBQ and a display of beetles (well
that had to be!) The ‘96 Rooi Kermis is in debate - the friends of the beetle aren't
keen on organizing it again. Maybe somebody else will step forward.
- Castle of Horst Kermis. Yup, the local castle get's in on the act as
well. It seems to be just a medieval weekend, parades (including this year a horse
dropping dead - the local butcher was caught eyeing it up), and medieval duels (not
on horse back). They charge 100Bf to get in - and let's face it, nothing really happens
(apart from the horse dropping dead), on one night they do a fireworks show - although
I didn't see it this year - but heard it.
Pigeons. Yes, pigeons! These little feathered friends are big business in Belgium.
Once a year the local pigeon club holds it's AGM (in November). Awards are dished out to
the best dressed pigeon, pigeon who flew the longest and quickest etc. They also auction off
pigeons .. And pigeon eggs - one wrong move and you could end up as the proud owner of a
pigeon, or a bunch of pigeon eggs.
Catholic "stuff". The local catholic church does a few "events" during the year. A
Sunday lunch (roast pig in mushroom sauce with chips), and a "get together" of catholic
women - I don't know too much about the latter a) I'm not catholic, b) I'm not a woman. Who
knows what happens? - nobody has told me. Maybe it's a secret coven.
