The krakelingenworp
What happens at the day of the Krakelingen festival?
The Krakelingen throw (also called mastel) starts in the center of the city with a historic procession. The procession is led by the priest and the City council in the historical center. About 1000 volunteers participate in this procession to portray the end of winter and the beginning of life. Several historic elements such as Celtic ones and the battle of Geraardsbergen are brought to life.
Krakelingen throw
At the end of the procession, many people gather into the square where they try to catch as many krakelingen as they can. Before the throwing of the krakelingen, the mayor and the council members drink wine from a silver cup in which a small fishes swim. After that about 10 000 krakelingen are thrown to the people. In one of the krakelingen, there is a note that is entitled to the Golden Krakeling. This means that the winner gets a golden krakeling worth €500. After the throwing, everyone moves to the city centre where the festivities continue.