2023-09-12 14:36:00
With a brand new Wayez street, the Anderlecht annual market was able to resume its activities in the Vaillance district. And Bernard wasn’t going to miss the opportunity. The technique is well established. He directly offers a small pen to those who look at his stall. Once the arm is outstretched with the wrist clearly visible, he holds out a perfume. “Women’s perfume, 5 euros per bottle, 20 euros for 6 men and women combined…” and scatters a few “pschits” on the wrists of passers-by who are quickly won over. Past his stand, rue Wayez is perfumed with ten fragrances.
Going back towards La Vaillance, to the rhythm of the coins clinking in the traders’ bags, our nose is attracted by another smell. That of Antonino’s roast chicken. For 40 years, he has not missed an annual market, always with the same products, his dishes, his frying pans and his pots. “This market is one of the best in Belgium. I have my customers there. We cook dishes to attract people and some buy me the pan with the meal still hot in it.” Tony, as he prefers to be called, with the microphone held to his mouth to attract passers-by, has seen the market change over the years. “A good market goes with purchasing power. In this regard, we have seen things move in the wrong direction over the past few years. But it obviously remains an important event.” On the other hand, in terms of attendance, the town is doing its best. It’s a day off for municipal employees while municipal schools are closed so that as many Anderlecht residents as possible can enjoy the event with their families.
We leave Tony’s chicken to join two pigs. The crazy street theater duo, “Cochon cochon” takes care of the entertainment at Place de la Résistance. “Every weekend, we’re somewhere, but obviously we weren’t going to miss this sale.”
Next to them, the members of the non-profit organization Cirqu’Conflex prowl their juggling and prepare their initiations to circus arts for young Anderlecht residents.
Arriving at La Vaillance, we come across the official and traditional procession. The delighted municipal college follows the costumed Anderlecht residents, preceded by the giant. To the rhythm of the fanfare, only Saint Guidon dances this year. Gudule, Erasmus and the other giants did not find a carrier to support their tens of kilos. “Little by little, we are reforming the team,” reassures Philippe from the Saint Guidon procession association.
Educational farm, street art demonstration and activities continue until 6 p.m. Place de la Vaillance, concerts are scheduled so that the party continues until 10 p.m. On stage, at the end of the afternoon, we will find Les Déménageurs (group for children) followed by Zénith and DJ Daddy K.
They want to save the folklore of Saint-Guidon: “a Catholic procession is no longer necessarily suitable, we want to concentrate on the celebration”
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