An Anderlecht folklore association is appealing for volunteers to save the local tradition of giant carrying, a celebrated craft throughout Belgium.
Giant floats can be seen at festivals all over Belgium at various stages in the year, but the tradition is prevalent in the Brussels municipality of Anderlecht.
Nine of the 80 giants in the Brussels-Capital Region are based in this commune. In a ritual that dates back to the Middle Ages, giant bearers have carried the iconic floats through the streets as part of the Saint-Guidon and Notre-Dame de Grâce Procession every September.
The 3.3 kilometre parade retraces the life of Saint-Guidon, the patron saint of Anderlecht. It is made up of seven horse-drawn floats and around 400 people dressed in period costumes. It always takes place on the Saturday before the Anderlecht market.
Credit: Procession de Saint-Guidon
Waning enthusiasm
However, enthusiasm for the craft has waned over the years, according to the non-profit organisation 'Procession de Saint-Guidon et de Notre-Dame de Grâce'.
The group is appealing for new volunteers to join up and carry the giants during various festivities.
Giants during a parade. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Each Anderlecht giant represents a different strand of the commune's history. For instance, the Erasmus giant serves as a reminder of the time the famous philosopher spent in the municipality.
The Anderlecht giants will be on display at 24 different events this year including the Venetia festival in Marolles on 8 March and the Iris festival on 3 and 4 May.
