Belgian festivalgoers are angry after the government banned an ancient ritual involving drinking wine from a goblet containing live fish.
For over 600 years, the town of Geraardsbergen has celebrated the arrival of spring with the Krakelingen Festival, an annual celebration that includes costume parades, ancient rituals and a host of unusual local customs.
The highlight of the festival, which dates back to 1413, is the throwing of ring-shaped bread crackers by local druids from the top of the historic Oudenberg hill after a colourful parade.
However, before they begin throwing, the Druids drink wine from a cup with live fish floating in it, which is now banned under the government's new animal welfare law.
The ban, which came into force last summer, has sparked anger among traditionalists, who took to the streets this weekend with placards reading “I want fish” and accusing authorities of destroying centuries-old cultural practices without prior consultation.
“This decision was taken without us even being listened to,” local alderman Ann Panis told the Sunday Times, dressed in traditional dress.
Geraardsbergen Mayor Fernand Van Trimpont also took part in the protests, dressed in his ceremonial attire, and promised to fight for the reinstatement of the practice.
“Flanders must take into account cultural and historical arguments. We hope that our protest will be taken up and this regulation will be reviewed,” he told the publication.
Sourse: metro.co.uk
