History
Where do the Krakelingen and the Tonnekensbrand come from?
The Krakelingen and the Tonnekesbrand come from the Celtic period around 400 BC. The procession shows the spectators 25 centuries of history of Geraardsbergen. In recent years the contacts of Geraardsbergen with Latin America (the mission work of Peter Van Gent), the role of women in the building of the city, local medieval crafts and 19th-century industries such as builders, lace, cigars,.., regional artists with international fame, folklore and the cultural-historical contribution of the boroughs in the merger are shown during the procession. The event starts at 3 pm at the old Romanesque church of Hunnegem and ends at the Oudenberg. The Krakelingenthrow takes place on the Oudenberg. The mayor and the city council are present in historical outfits. They also have to drink a cup of wine with living fishes. The drinking of the fishes refers to new life.