Pretzels are round buns with a hole in them. The tradition is centuries old, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 13 years. And for the first time since the corona crisis, Geraardsbergen can once again hold a large Krakelingenfeest. The beautiful weather attracted many people to the event. First there was the historical procession about the history of Geraardsbergen, with 1000 extras. And then followed the fish drink and the Pretzel throw where 5000 Pretzels were thrown out. Whoever catches the golden pretzel wins a jewel.
Many residents of Geraardsbergen are happy to be able to celebrate the Krakelingenfeest again. “Every year this is saying goodbye to winter”, the spectators say. “And with this sunny weather today, it couldn’t be better. For us, the inhabitants of Geraardsbergen, this is an important day. Everyone is smiling, spring is coming!”
A regular visitor from outside Geraardsbergen is our Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open Vld): “I walked around here a lot as a child, my father always took me here. And for the past 15 years, I have always been here. It remains a super nice event in one of the most beautiful places in the Flemish Ardennes.”
